On Saturday 30 September, The Bantams defeated Doncaster Rovers in a Yorkshire Derby in front of over 20,000 fans. However, the clash at the Northern Commercials Stadium was not the only match involving City and our White Rose neighbours on that day.
The Bradford City FC Community Foundation held a “Football Festival” for Junior Disability Teams at Goals in Bradford. The tournament was contested by Bradford City DFC, Doncaster Titans, Prism Deaf Team, Leeds Deaf Team and Beechcliffe Special School, who were all able to attend their first Bradford City game after the tournament thanks to Provident’s #BantamsCommunity initiative.
After the tournament’s finale, the teams were invited to the Northern Commercials Stadium to watch the Sky Bet League 1 fixture, which the Bantams won 2-0 thanks to goals from Charlie Wyke and Nathaniel Knight-Percival.
During the half time interval, the junior teams from both Bradford City DFC and Doncaster Titans, graced the famous Valley Parade turf for a game. Both sets of supporters really got behind the two teams and they received a round of applause for their efforts.
The Beechcliffe Special School team (pictured) were a group of pupils who had very limited football experience but they came together to form an Under 16’s team and had a fantastic day and even took home a medal for their efforts.
The pupils from Beechcliffe Special School were invited to see the Bantams play, this was made possible due to the backing of our Community Partner, Provident and #BantamsCommunity
Rachel Busfield-Smith of Bradford’s Special Educational Needs Team, commented on the day: “A very special thank you must go to everyone involved in making the Disability Festival at Bradford City possible. The event itself was so encouraging and inspiring for all concerned.
"I would also like to thank both Bradford City and Provident for their support.
"I brought my boy along to the event and he thoroughly enjoyed it. In his own words, he said how lucky he was to have met and worked alongside such a fantastic group of kids.
"I was delighted with the encouragement from the crowd, who stayed to watch the disability teams play through the half time interval. The encouragement they gave was absolutely wonderful. I would like to thank the Bradford City fans for this, you’re a credit to our City.
"Let’s hope more Schools will take up this fabulous opportunity to have their students encouraged and inspired at such an amazing Stadium in the future!”
Throughout the season, you’ll find out how #BantamsCommunity has provided match day tickets for numerous good causes in and around the City of Bradford.
If you know any group or individual who would benefit from #BantamsCommunity and the opportunity to come to the Northern Commercials Stadium, then please contact us on social media through Twitter, @OfficialBantams using the has tag #BantamsCommunity.
Alternatively, please email commercial@bradfordcityfc.co.uk.
For more information on Bradford City Disability Football Club, you can visit their. website at: www.bradfordcitydfc.co.uk.
You can also contact the Club’s Disability Liaison Officer, Jaimie Dorward at: bradfordcityfcdlo@gmail.com.