Historic Bradford Derby Draws Crowd of 35,000

Football once united the city on matchdays

A photograph from a past Bradford derby at Valley Parade reveals the significant role football played in the city’s social life. The image shows a densely packed crowd of supporters lining the terraced hillsides, with stewards using a megaphone to manage the large gathering. Approximately 35,000 people attended the match, highlighting the importance of football in Bradford during this period.

Bradford’s football landscape in the Football League era

At the time, both Bradford (Park Avenue) and Bradford City were competing in the Football League, making derby matches highly anticipated events. Fans from across the city travelled to watch these fixtures, which were about more than just the 90 minutes of play; they were significant social occasions that brought communities together.

Bradford (Park Avenue) regularly faced some of the most established clubs in English football during this era. The club’s participation in the national league system attracted large crowds and high-profile opposition, reflecting its strong position within the football hierarchy of the time.

Remembering a rich football history

This period of Bradford football history is commemorated through a series that looks back at key moments and memories from the club’s past. These archives serve to remind current supporters of the club’s heritage and the role it played in the city’s sporting culture.

Local residents and fans are encouraged to share their own memories or family stories related to these historic derby days, contributing to the ongoing preservation of Bradford’s football legacy.