Free Weekly Football Sessions Launched for Bradford Youth
October 28, 2026New initiative offers accessible football in Holme Wood
A partnership between Bradford City FC Community Foundation, West Yorkshire Police, and First Bus has introduced free football sessions for young people in Bradford. The sessions, held weekly in Holme Wood, aim to provide positive activities and engagement opportunities for local youth aged 8 to 18.
Details of the Football Sessions
The football sessions take place every Wednesday from 4.30pm to 5.30pm at Tong Leadership Academy. They are part of the Premier League Kicks: Police Partnerships project, supported by the Bradford Youth Service and funded by the Premier League Foundation. The sessions are delivered by licensed football coaches and youth workers from the Foundation.
- Location: Tong Leadership Academy, Holme Wood, Bradford
- Time: Wednesdays, 4.30pm – 5.30pm
- Age group: 8 to 18 years
- Cost: Free of charge
Aims and Objectives
The initiative seeks to provide young people with opportunities to participate in sport, social, and cultural activities within their community. It aims to foster positive relationships, inclusion, and a sense of belonging. By engaging young people in meaningful activities, the project also hopes to reduce incidents of anti-social behaviour in the area.
West Yorkshire Police’s Early Action Fund has contributed to the funding, with the project focusing on youth engagement, education, mentoring, and free football sessions. The sessions also offer a platform to raise awareness about the consequences of anti-social behaviour and vandalism.
Comments from Partners
Oliver Read, Head of Premier League and Business Development at the Foundation, highlighted the importance of partnership working in delivering the project and its potential impact on young people in Bradford.
Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Adam Beecroft said the project aims to take services directly into areas identified as hotspots for anti-social behaviour, helping to steer young people towards positive activities.
Mubs Mahmed, Social Value Manager at First Bus, noted the role of the partnership in removing transport barriers to accessing sports and community activities, supporting confidence-building and community connections.
Participation and Impact
Since its inception, 72 young people have taken part in the Police Partnerships football sessions. Feedback from attendees indicates that 100% feel the sessions have helped them feel included, safe, and more confident, while also improving relationships and self-esteem.
The Foundation also collaborates with West Yorkshire Police to provide mentoring opportunities for young people identified as vulnerable to criminality or anti-social behaviour through a referral process linked to the sessions.
About Premier League Kicks and the Premier League Foundation
Premier League Kicks is a nationwide programme that uses football to help young people develop skills and confidence while reducing risks associated with anti-social behaviour and youth violence. It targets young people from high-need areas and offers regular football, mentoring, and personal development opportunities.
The Premier League Foundation, established in 2010, is a major sports charity that funds club community programmes across the UK. It distributes around £34 million annually to support over 100 club charities, aiming to create positive sporting, health, education, and personal development opportunities for children and young people.
