Bradford City FC Community Foundation hosts Greener Together Sustainability Summit

Bradford City FC Community Foundation, the official charity of Bradford City AFC, hosted a summit which invited local organisations and stakeholders to discuss how they can best support and deliver sustainable practices in the district. The summit was held alongside Greener Bantams, Bradford City AFC’s dedicated sustainability initiative.

The Greener Together Sustainability Summit featured expert speakers and group activities, and focused on key themes including waste reduction, water sustainability, and the role of physical activity in creating healthier, more sustainable communities.

Attendees discussed the importance of sustainability in enabling sporting participation and sporting culture to thrive; sport as a catalyst for environmental change; and the importance of working together for the benefit of the community.

Lizzie Saunderson-Trowell, CEO of the Bradford City FC Community Foundation, said: “At Bradford City FC Community Foundation, we see, every day, sport’s ability to bring people together. When sport is combined with culture, creativity and strong community partnerships, it becomes an even more powerful force for tackling issues like sustainability, health inequalities and social inclusion. Today's summit, and the people in this room, is a perfect example of that, and I’d like to thank all of our attendees for not only joining us, but committing to making a difference for our communities.”

The event was hosted at the Foundation’s City Hub, on Valley Parade. The Foundation and Bradford City AFC recently launched the Greener Bantams Travel Hub, supported by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, which will help in making travel around the city, and to and from Mbanq Valley Parade, more accessible, affordable, and sustainable. 

Guest speakers and attendees included representatives from Yorkshire Water, the Yorkshire and Humber Climate Commission, JBA Consulting, the Bridge Project, and the Impressions Gallery, who discussed the upcoming Creative Earth Eco Fest.

Jody Harris, a Sustainability Adviser at JBA Consulting, said: “Today has been full of interesting conversations. It was really great to hear about all the sustainability work going on in the city. The Greener Together Sustainability Summit has been a unique chance to meet people, joined together by the Foundation. It gives me a chance to connect with people reaching out in other areas of community action. My personal motto is one of stubborn optimism, and optimism was certainly a feature in this room today, as we all pledged to tackle these challenges, and make a difference.

The event was also attended by the Yorkshire Women’s Forum, who recently hosted a fashion show which celebrated sustainability and Bradford’s cultural and textile heritage, which was held at Mbanq Valley Parade.