Despite a last minute equaliser by visitors Gillingham during a recent home game, for one group of Bradford City fans, it was the occasion and not the result that proved to be the winner!
City's home match against Gillingham just over a week ago saw the Club welcome BEAP (formally known as the Bangladesh Educational Achievement Project) to the Coral Windows Stadium as match day guests.
BEAP is based in Cornwall Road only a matter of yards from the stadium and one of the Club’s closest neighbours.
It provides a range of activities with up to 60 youngsters taking part in football coaching on a Saturday morning.
For two groups of 30 - one for the Gillingham game and one attending last Saturday's Leyton Orient fixture, that day included a trip to the Coral Windows Stadium to watch the action on the pitch and for some of them, for the very first time.
The Football Supporters’ Federation backed the initiative and provided goodie-bags for the party, which including souvenirs and a Club scarf.
The Club’s new Chief Operating Officer, James Mason is delighted both parties have come together stating: "Bradford City are always keen to welcome new groups to its home games as we look to attract, encourage and engage with the fans of the future.
"I am well aware of all the good that the club does to involve itself in the local community and my job is to make sure this good work is recognised.
It was our facilities manager David Dowse that brought BEAP to my attention and I am delighted he did.
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"To have come into a Club that is already doing great things locally and further afield is fantastic and something we must build on. Hopefully, these youngsters will have enjoyed the experience and the group that come this weekend will do too, win lose or draw!
"We hope to see them back at the Coral Windows Stadium in the future. Our links with the local Manningham community are important to us and we are delighted to be working alongside BEAP and supporting the fantastic support they offer to youngsters in this area.”
The Diversity and Campaigns Manager of the Football Supporters’ Federation
"I have been very fortunate to have played at Bradford City a number of times throughout my career with different clubs, after every visit I have been impressed by the atmosphere and the aura the club has in and around the ground.
Anwar Uddin - a former defender with Dagenham & Redbridge - explained:and Kick It Out campaigner
"This is the message I want to share with the local community who see the club from their bedroom windows.
"Together with club staff and existing fans we can highlight the good work we are all doing trying to make football as safe and inclusive as possible so we can attract new fans from the local community to be involved in the highs and lows of being a Bradford City fan."
Speaking after the Leyton Orient victory for Phil Parkinson's men, Humayun Islam - a member of the Shapla Football Academy, which is run by BEAP - expressed his gratitude to the Club.
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We hope that we can continue to work closely in the future and that our appreciation is forwarded to all staff at Bradford City Football Club," he said.
"We would also like to thank all the fans at Bradford City Football club as we felt safe and look forward to coming back for many games to come. Also, great to see a home win and the atmosphere was unbelievable!"