Bantams Stars Support Young Men’s Development Programme

Bradford City players attend graduation event for local youth initiative

Bradford City AFC players Bobby Pointon and Matt Pennington recently took part in a graduation event for The Way Forward, a community programme aimed at supporting young men in Bradford. The event, held at the University of Bradford Stadium, brought together participants, staff, and players to reflect on the scheme’s progress and impact.

Programme Overview

The Way Forward is a 12-week programme designed for men aged 18 to 24. It combines football, coaching, workshops, and life-skills development to promote confidence, resilience, and positive decision-making. The sessions take place every Friday at the BEAP Community Partnership and the Foundation’s City Hub near Valley Parade.

The initiative is funded by a £100,000 grant from the Sky Bet EFL Building Foundations Fund, which supports community projects across English Football League clubs.

Graduation Event Details

The event marked the completion of the first cohort and welcomed new participants for the upcoming one. Activities included a sports session, lunch at the City Hub café, and a roundtable discussion in the 1911 Lounge at the stadium. During the discussion, Pointon and Pennington spoke about the significance of positive role models and the benefits of physical activity for health and wellbeing.

George Elek, from the Not The Top 20 podcast, also attended and conducted interviews with participants, staff, and players about their experiences with the programme.

Voices from the Programme

• Craig Farrand, Director of Sport at the Foundation, highlighted the role of football in motivating participants and providing positive influences through experienced staff.
• Pavan Sembi, Head of Community Engagement and Inclusion, noted the enthusiasm and engagement of the young men and emphasised the programme’s focus on building confidence alongside employment support.
• Bobby Pointon, a local player from Low Moor, shared his perspective on the importance of role models, reflecting on his own upbringing and the value of the programme for those who may lack such guidance.
• Shoaib Miah, a programme participant, described how the scheme helped him overcome shyness and develop a connection with Bradford City AFC.

About The Way Forward

The programme aims to assist young men in Bradford by introducing them to positive male role models and supporting their transition into adulthood. Participants receive guidance towards education, employment, volunteering, and work experience opportunities.

Registrations are currently open for the third cohort. The scheme is free for men aged 18 to 24. Interested individuals or organisations can find registration and referral forms on the Bradford City FC Community Foundation website.

Sky Bet EFL Building Foundations Fund

The fund is a multi-year initiative supporting community projects across the 72 EFL clubs. It offers grants of up to £100,000 to develop or sustain programmes aimed at local community benefit. The fund forms part of the sponsorship agreement between the EFL and Sky Bet, which runs until the end of the 2028/29 season.

For more information on The Way Forward and how to get involved, visit the Bradford City FC Community Foundation website.