Bradford City FC Community Foundation, Bradford Metropolitan District Council and Oasis Academy Lister Park team up to tackle youth vaping

Bradford City FC Community Foundation, the official charity of Bradford City AFC, have worked alongside local school Oasis Academy Lister to deliver the next phase of their ‘Catch Your Breath' anti-vaping campaign. 

Following the successful launch of the first phase in December, which featured two films exploring the negative impact of vaping among young people in social situations, the second phase of the campaign explores the issue in a school setting.

The campaign and its launch was also supported by the Talk Your Walk Foundation, a local organisation which delivers workshops covering topics such as self-esteem and mental health for young people in schools, including Oasis Academy Lister Park. 

WATCH the campaign film here:

Lizzie Saunderson-Trowell, CEO of the Bradford City FC Community Foundation, said: “I am delighted to see the continuation of this campaign, and to witness its continued growth, reach and impact. Our Foundation cares deeply about public health in our community, and the issues which impact the health and wellbeing of our young people. I am sure that our campaign film will inspire conversations and reflection among young people throughout the district, and introduce them to the realities of the toll vaping and addiction can have on their mental health, and their quality of life throughout crucial stages of their development into adulthood. I’d like to thank Bradford Metropolitan District Council for their continued support and collaboration on the project, Oasis Academy Lister Park and the Talk Your Walk Foundation for their fantastic involvement, and our partners and stakeholders who continue to back our organisation, and support our message.”

The new film, which was shot onsite in the school and features pupils in acting roles, explores the negative impacts of vaping on young peoples’ mental health throughout the course of a school day. It stars Roqia, a pupil, as the ‘vaper’.

In the film, as with the first phase of the campaign, the vape is replaced with a garish, loud and intrusive party horn. Its aim is to change behaviours, and discourage young people from vaping by making them aware of the negative effects it can have on their mental health.

Amy, a student at the school who also appears in the campaign film, said: “I didn’t realise the campaign would look that good! It showed how vaping isn’t cool, and how it can affect your mood and create more stress in your life.”

The film will be complemented by a range of bespoke ‘Catch Your Breath’ social and print media assets, featuring Roqia and her trusty party horn, which will be circulated across the Foundation and Council’s networks of educational institutions, including Oasis Community Learning, a Multi-Academy Trust which includes 56 schools across the nation, alongside social action and outreach organisations, and stakeholders. 

Jules Millar, Principal at Oasis Academy Lister Park, said: “The reception to the campaign has been incredible. For our student body to see our own students who have starred in the campaign, delivering the Catch Your Breath message in such a professional format, has been fantastic. The launch has had a really positive reception here at the Academy. The campaign shines a light on what is a big problem for young people in our community in a way that is relatable and relevant, and the central motif is certainly memorable.”

The film and assets will also be collected into a bespoke resource, which will be circulated among the Foundation’s partner schools in the city, where they currently deliver the Premier League Primary Stars and Premier League Inspires projects, as well as sports coaching, PE and after-school clubs.

Oasis Academy Lister Park, which is located a stones throw from Mbanq Valley Parade in the Manningham area of the city, served as the venue for the campaign launch. Over 100 pupils from the school attended, and the film was introduced by Anjola and Qasim, two pupils who also feature in the film.

Quentin Laulau-Togaga'e, a former professional rugby league player and co-founder of the Talk Your Walk Foundation, hosted a panel discussion with pupils featured in the film, and a Q&A with the audience.

Quentin said: "Our organisation is big on collaboration, and if we see that other organisations, such as the Bradford City FC Community Foundation, are trying to help young people become better versions of themselves, we're always going to jump on it. It's massive for us to be involved in this project. It's been great to hear the insights of the young people involved in the campaign here at the launch, and their opinions on vaping."

The third phase of the ‘Catch Your Breath’ campaign will launch during early stages of the 2026/27 football season.