Ian Ormondroyd to step down as Bradford City FC Foundation CEO

After more than 25 years leading the community foundation

Ian Ormondroyd, who has served as Chief Executive Officer of the Bradford City FC Community Foundation since 1999, will step down from his role at the end of the 2025/26 football season. The Foundation is the official charity of Bradford City AFC and delivers a range of sporting and social programmes across the city.

Longstanding leadership and growth

Mr Ormondroyd has been at the helm of the Foundation for over a quarter of a century. During his tenure, the organisation expanded from a small team delivering football sessions in schools to a larger operation employing more than 25 full-time staff alongside numerous volunteers. The Foundation now offers a variety of projects, including food support, free football activities, and pastoral care for people of all ages.

Reflecting on his decision to step down, Mr Ormondroyd said:

“After over 25 years at the Bradford City FC Community Foundation, the time has come for me to relinquish the position of CEO. From the early days when I first joined, working with a handful of staff to deliver football sessions in schools, the organisation has since expanded to over 25 full-time members of staff, with plenty of volunteers who generously support our work. We now provide many different programmes and projects, from food support to free football to pastoral support for everyone from childhood through to old age. I am proud to be going into semi-retirement with the Foundation in a healthy position.”

Upcoming farewell and succession

Mr Ormondroyd is scheduled to address supporters during the Foundation’s second annual Community Takeover Day on Saturday 7 March, at half-time of Bradford City’s match against Leyton Orient.

He will be succeeded by Lizzie Saunderson-Trowell, the current Chief Operating Officer, who has worked with the Foundation for over ten years. Mrs Saunderson-Trowell expressed her gratitude for Mr Ormondroyd’s leadership and mentorship, stating her intention to build on the organisation’s achievements.

Recognition and legacy

• Ian Ormondroyd, nicknamed ‘Sticks’ during his playing career, had two spells as a player with Bradford City AFC, as well as time at Aston Villa, Derby County and Leicester City.
• Bradford City AFC CEO Ryan Sparks described Mr Ormondroyd as a “true ‘City Gent’” and praised his contribution to the club and community.
• In 2025, the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) recognised Mr Ormondroyd for his 25 years of service to the Foundation.
• The Foundation generated £13.2 million in social value in 2022, according to the EFL’s ‘Measuring the Impact of EFL Clubs in the Community’ report.
• Alan Biggin, Chair of Trustees, highlighted Mr Ormondroyd’s character and long-standing commitment to football and community work.

Future involvement

Although stepping down as CEO, Mr Ormondroyd will continue to work with the Foundation in a new role focused on community outreach, social action, and providing accessible sporting and non-sporting opportunities in Bradford and the surrounding area.