Bradford City AFC Women and Holly House Charitable Foundation spread festive joy for kids in care with Wishes Under the Tree project

Bradford City AFC Women have collaborated for Christmas with the Holly House Foundation and the Bradford Children and Families Trust (BCFT) to provide gifts and festive experiences for children and young people in care across Bradford.

Wishes Under the Tree uses the power of sport and community to spread joy over the festive period, supporting and engaging with children and young people who may otherwise go without over Christmas. 

WATCH how it all went:

Qasim Akhtar, BCAFC Women and Girls Chairman said: “We are proud to have delivered the Wishes Under the Tree project again this year, and to have the chance to support children and young people who may not have access to the things many take for granted over the festive season. To be able to give them something special, be that a gift or a memorable experience, a fun space to be and a chance to meet some of their sporting heroes, is what we are all about here at BCAFC Women. I’d like to thank the Holly House Foundation once again for their generous support, as we all work together to make a difference in the lives of the children and young people at the heart of our city.:

Children and young people in care submitted their Christmas wishlists in November. Gifts were then purchased with the support of the Holly House Foundation, and they were wrapped by Bradford City AFC Women and girls’ team members.

Sophie Ford-Wilkinson, Trustee, The Holly House Charitable Foundation, said:

“We were proud to be part of the Wishes Under the Tree project again this Christmas. Our aim was to bring a little festive magic and make sure every child felt included. We love supporting the brilliant work Qasim and BCAFC Women do throughout the year and this was a wonderful way to round off the year and help make Christmas special for children who might otherwise miss out.”

The project culminated with a celebration event, the ‘Wishes Under the Tree Morning’, at the Bradford City AFC Women’s Training Ground on Monday 22 December. Attendees received their personalised presents, whilst engaging with festive fun and sports-based activities and games delivered by BCAFC Women stars and team members from the Holly House Foundation

Monika Stube, BCAFC Women Captain and Football and Business Development Officer, said: “Seeing the faces of the children and young people we have supported with Wishes Under the Tree is why we do what we do. It is a privilege to be able to spread some festive joy in our community.”

This is the second year the Wishes Under the Tree project has been delivered by Bradford City AFC Women and the Holly House Foundation, with the project set to continue in 2026.

More on the Holly House Foundation:

The Holly House Charitable Foundation is a charitable trust that supports small, local charities that offer life-enhancing opportunities to vulnerable young people, those living with a disability or young people facing additional challenges in their lives. Our goal is to make a positive impact in the lives of those who need it most. We hope that by working together, we can create a brighter future for all.