Ian Ormondroyd to Support New Men’s Sessions in Bradford

Former Bantams striker to join ‘Same Shirt Different Lives’ project

Bradford City Football Club Community Foundation has announced that Ian Ormondroyd, a former player and long-serving CEO of the Foundation, will be involved in a new series of support sessions for men in Bradford. The sessions, titled Same Shirt Different Lives, aim to create a space for male football fans to share their experiences and perspectives.

Project Overview

The Same Shirt Different Lives project is delivered by The Roots Programme in partnership with the Bradford City FC Community Foundation, the official charity of Bradford City AFC. It is designed to encourage conversations between football supporters from diverse backgrounds, allowing them to exchange stories and gain insight into football and life in the UK from different viewpoints.

The sessions will be open to male supporters of Bradford City and other sports fans from across the city and surrounding areas. They will involve relaxed discussions guided by facilitators from The Roots Programme, focusing on attendees’ experiences as sports fans and the role football clubs have played in their lives.

Ian Ormondroyd’s Role

Ian Ormondroyd, who played for Bradford City in two spells between 1985-89 and 1995-96, has recently taken up the position of Chief Ambassador and Senior Advisor at the Foundation. Reflecting on the project, he said:

“I have seen throughout my career as both a footballer and at the Foundation the power of peer support, and the benefit it can have on the lives of men in our city. This is a chance for men of all backgrounds to gather, get to know and support each other, and explore what it means to be a sports fan in 2026. I look forward to getting to know all who attend, and fostering conversations about what being a Bantam represents, and the huge impact following this club has had on all of our lives.”

About The Roots Programme

The Roots Programme CIC is a social enterprise founded by Ruth Ibegbuna. It works in schools, communities, workplaces, and football clubs to create opportunities for people from different backgrounds to connect and better understand one another. The organisation develops programmes aimed at strengthening relationships and building more connected communities across the UK. The Roots Programme is supported by The National Lottery Community Fund.

Ruth Ibegbuna, Founder and CEO of The Roots Programme, commented:

“We’re proud and excited to bring this programme of work to Bradford City, as one of our partner clubs. I was born and raised in Bradford and my mum still attends the matches at Valley Parade. City has played a special role in our family over the years. This is an opportunity for fans to relax and discuss football, as well as life beyond the sport, at a time when connecting across communities is essential.”

Session Details

• Location: Bradford City FC Community Foundation’s City Hub, adjacent to Valley Parade stadium
• First session: Thursday 16 July, 6.30pm to 8.30pm
• Subsequent sessions: Monthly in August and September

Men interested in attending the sessions can express their interest by completing an online form provided by the organisers.