Bradford City FC Community Foundation, Morrisons Foundation, McDonald’s and West Yorkshire Police launch new football session for young people in Bradford

Bradford City FC Community Foundation, the official charity of Bradford City AFC, have teamed up with the Morrisons Foundation, which supports registered charities that make a positive difference in local communities across England, Scotland and Wales, McDonald’s and West Yorkshire Police to launch ‘SWERVE’, a new, free weekly football session for boys and girls in Bradford.

The session will be delivered by the Foundation's team of qualified coaches and youth workers, and hosted at a local Morrisons store.

Lizzie Saunderson-Trowell, Chief Operating Officer at the Bradford City FC Community Foundation, said: “We are delighted to be introducing ‘SWERVE’. We are committed to providing inclusive, positive activities for young people in the city, and being able to connect them to free sporting provisions helps us achieve that goal. I’d like to thank the Morrisons Foundation, McDonald’s and West Yorkshire Police for their support and backing in making these sessions a reality, and for enabling us to offer opportunities to young people in the heart of our city.”

The ‘SWERVE’ initiative aims to engage disadvantaged young people, using football as a tool to reduce anti-social behaviour, foster community unity, and create opportunities for personal growth. 

David Scott, Corporate Affairs Director at Morrisons, said: "This initiative is a powerful example of what happens when the community comes together. By partnering with the police and Bradford City FC Community Foundation, we're using our space to deliver free sports coaching and vital youth mentorship right in the heart of Bradford. It is a true team effort designed to help young people connect, discover new passions and build their confidence." 

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In bringing a new session into Bradford city centre, the programme will facilitate the building of relationships with young people through dedicated youth work, targeted age-group sessions, and support for attendees who are not in education, employment or training towards career development. ​

‘SWERVE’ sessions will begin on Thursday 4th June, at the Morrisons store on Young Street, in the Girlington area of Bradford, and run every Thursday thereafter between 4.30pm and 5.30pm for girls, and 5.30pm and 6.30pm for boys. 

The sessions are funded by Morrisons Foundation, and supported by West Yorkshire Police and McDonald’s. 

Inspector Adam Taylor, from theBradford West Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “It’s great to see opportunities like this being made available for young people in Girlington. Football is more than just a game – it builds teamwork, discipline and a strong sense of belonging.  This highlights the power of partners coming together to improve the lives of young people”

The project is free for boys and girls aged 14-18 to participate in, and will feature a mix of football and sports coaching, peer support and youth mentoring.

Those interested in participating in the sessions can find full details, and register, here.

More on the Morrisons Foundation:

The Morrisons Foundation supports registered charities that make a positive difference in local communities across England, Scotland and Wales. We award grants for charity projects and match fund the money that Morrisons colleagues raise for their chosen charities. From 1st June 2026 we will temporarily close for applications to make way for an exciting digital upgrade. We'll reopen as soon as possible with a brand new website and application process, which will provide a better experience for all our applicants and colleagues. Please check back here and our Facebook page for updates on when we will resume accepting applications.