Bantams stars help show young men in Bradford ‘The Way Forward’

BCAFC star Bobby Pointon attended a recent graduation event for The Way Forward participants.

Bradford City AFC stars Bobby Pointon and Matt Pennington attended a graduation event for the Bradford City FC Community Foundation’s The Way Forward programme, speaking to young men involved in the project about the importance of positive role models, and how physical activity can improve their health and wellbeing.

Funded by a £100,000 award from the Sky Bet EFL Building Foundations Fund, The Way Forward runs every Friday at the BEAP Community Partnership and the Foundation’s City Hub, located next to the University of Bradford Stadium on Valley Parade. The programme brings together sport, coaching, workshops and life-skills development for men aged 18 to 24, using football as the hook to inspire confidence, resilience and positive life choices, over 12-week cohorts.

Craig Farrand, the Foundation’s Director of Sport, said: “These young men are at the heart of the programme. We use the power of football as the motivation to get them involved, but also to get them up and about. Everybody needs a role model, and we want to provide that positive influence. We feel our staff can offer real opportunities through their experience and knowledge, giving the participants the guidance they need to move forward.”

WATCH how it all went:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBrIvVJVNE8

The graduation event was held at the University of Bradford Stadium at the end of January, and welcomed both graduates from the first cohort and those coming on the scheme in the following one. Participants engaged in a sports session, and enjoyed lunch at the Foundation’s City Hub cafe, before heading to the 1911 Lounge in the stadium. There, they were joined by Bobby Pointon and Matt Pennington for a roundtable discussion reflecting on the programme and its impact, and engaging in a chat about the qualities of a role model.

Attendees were also joined by George Elek, from the Not The Top 20 podcast. George conducted interviews with the participants, Foundation staff and City players about their experiences on the programme, and its impact.

George said: “Having been lucky enough to spend a day with the Bradford City FC Community Foundation and see the clear impact that The Way Forward programme is having on the lives of so many young men in the area, it served as further evidence to me of how crucial a role football clubs can play in helping their local community. 

It's hard for young men today to find positive role models and a clear direction for a better future, but the team at the Bradford City FC Community Foundation are clearly committed to helping provide both. Having spoken to a number of participants on the day, their efforts are having a profound positive impact, and I'm sure it will continue to do so for the remainder of the programme.”

The Way Forward supports young men in Bradford, introducing them to positive male role models and supporting them on their journey into adulthood.

The programme has been overseen by Pavan Sembi, Head of Community Engagement and Inclusion at the Foundation. Pavan supports participants on their journeys towards employment and education opportunities, and has facilitated participants participating in volunteering schemes and work experience during their time on the programme.

Pavan said: “We’ve been blown away by how well these young men have engaged with the programme. They’ve been so enthusiastic, driven and inclusive in the time we’ve spent getting to know them. This programme isn’t just about helping them find a job - it’s about making sure they leave us as more confident, assured young people who know that there is support out there for them.”

Bobby Pointon is local to Bradford, and grew up in the Low Moor area of the city. He was able to share his experiences of being a young person from the area with participants on the programme. 

Bobby said: “Thankfully, I’ve been privileged and I’ve got a very good role model in my dad, and I know some people my age don’t. So to come down here and see coaches, players and responsible adults is brilliant for them. I’ve grown up here and I’ve seen people who don’t have a role model, unfortunately, and aren’t so privileged. So to come down here today and to meet everyone and hopefully they’ve got a lot out of it is really important.”

Shoaib Miah (left) is presented with a certificate of achievement by Bobby Pointon (right).

Shoaib Miah took part in The Way Forward, and has gone on to achieve EE Playmaker qualifications with the support of the Foundation team. Shoaib said: “Working with everyone, like getting to know people. Before, on the first day, you don’t know anyone – it’s like your first day of work or first day of school. Before I was just like a shy little kid, I didn’t know anyone. Now I just got to know people. Before I wasn’t a Bradford City fan, now I’m like a proper Bradford City fan.”

Take part in The Way Forward:

Registrations are currently open for the third cohort of ‘The Way Forward’. The programme is completely free for young men aged 18-24 - those interested can complete our registration form here. 

Organisations and individuals that work with young men who they feel would benefit from the scheme are also able to refer them on to it, using this referral form.

About the Sky Bet Building Foundations Fund

The Building Foundations Fund is in its second year and represents the largest multi-year sponsor-backed fund dedicated solely to community activity and the process offers the 72 EFL clubs a chance to bid for grants of up to £100,000 to invest in ongoing programmes or to develop new initiatives.

The EFL and Sky Bet agreed a record extension last year that saw the sports betting brand continue as the League’ title partner until the end of the 2028/29 campaign. The commitment to a community fund was an integral part of the extension agreement.