Smoke and Vape-Free Football Tournament Held in Bradford
October 31, 2025Local junior clubs compete while promoting healthy sidelines
A football tournament aimed at encouraging smoke and vape-free environments on junior club sidelines took place in Bradford on Saturday 25 October. The event was organised by Bradford City FC Community Foundation in partnership with Bradford Metropolitan District Council, bringing together grassroots football teams from across the city and surrounding district.
Event details and participation
The Smoke and Vape-Free Sidelines Tournament featured ten under-11 teams representing nine junior football clubs. The matches were held at the Co-Op Academy Southfield Grange sports facility, with over 150 players, coaches, and family members attending. Alongside the competitive fixtures, attendees engaged with Foundation and Council staff to discuss ways to maintain smoke and vape-free areas during junior football activities.
Commitment to smoke and vape-free environments
Each participating club signed a charter committing to keeping their junior club sidelines free from smoking and vaping. This initiative aims to create a safer and healthier atmosphere for young footballers. The tournament was funded by Bradford Metropolitan District Council and organised by the Foundation’s staff and coaches.
As part of the commitment, clubs received banners designed by a local primary school pupil, which they will display at their sports facilities to promote the smoke and vape-free message.
Tournament outcomes and acknowledgements
- Championship Winners: West Yorkshire Juniors
- Championship Runners-up: Shelf Juniors
- Trophy Winners: North Bradford Juniors
- Trophy Runners-up: Allerton FC
All clubs were provided with equipment to support their facilities, funded by the Foundation and the Council. The event also offered free food from CleanCrust, a provider of sustainable and ethically sourced pizza, and hot drinks supplied by Really Awesome Coffee. Referees were invited by West Riding County FA, a partner of the Foundation.
Statements from organisers and participants
Lizzie Saunderson-Trowell, Chief Operating Officer of the Foundation, highlighted the importance of public health and inclusivity in junior sport, emphasising the value of smoke and vape-free sidelines.
Nasar Ahmed from Bradford Metropolitan District Council’s Public Health department noted the positive response from attendees, who pledged to maintain healthy environments at their clubs.
Tyler Watts of Bolton Woods JFC expressed support for the initiative, stating that the club will proudly display the banner and uphold the smoke and vape-free commitment.
Next steps
The Foundation and Bradford Council plan to continue their collaboration with the launch of the Catch Your Breath anti-vaping campaign in November, aiming to further promote healthy practices in junior sports settings.
