Bradford City FC Community Foundation, West Yorkshire Police and First Bus team up to provide free football for young people in Bradford

Bradford City FC Community Foundation, the official charity of Bradford City AFC, are working alongside West Yorkshire Police and First Bus to provide accessible football sessions for young people in the district, supported by the Bradford Youth Service.

The Premier League Kicks: Police Partnerships project provides a free football session each week in Holme Wood, an area of the city identified as one of the most in need of positive activities and engagement for young people. 

Hosted at Tong Leadership Academy each Wednesday, between 4.30pm and 5.30pm, the sessions welcome young people aged 8-18 at no cost as they engage in active football participation, supported by a team of the Foundation’s licensed football coaches and youth workers.

The sessions aim to provide positive, and engaging opportunities for young people in the Holme Wood area of the city. By providing access to sports, social and cultural events through regular weekly sessions, the scheme seeks to create a platform for young people to come together, build positive relationships, engage in meaningful activities and experience a sense of inclusion and belonging.

Oliver Read, Head of Premier League and Business Development at the Foundation, said: “We are proud to deliver this project for young people in our city, and I’d like to thank West Yorkshire Police and First Bus for their support in bringing it to life. Together, we are demonstrating the impact of partnership working, and the massive impact we can have on young people in our city. Anti-social behaviour is something that affects all of us, and if we at the Foundation are able to curb such instances, and engage young people in positive activities whilst doing it, that is something we feel we have a responsibility to do.”

Partners came together to showcase the sessions, with representatives from the Foundation, West Yorkshire Police, First Bus and stakeholders from across the district. A First Bus double-decker was parked onsite with its destination screen reading ‘Take Me Home’, in reference to City’s iconic walkout anthem.

Adam Beecroft, Neighbourhood Policing Inspector for Bradford South, said: “I am delighted to support the launch of this fantastic initiative between West Yorkshire Police, First Bus, Bradford City FC Community Foundation and the Youth Service.

“Thanks to funding from West Yorkshire Police's Early Action Fund and Premier League Kicks, this project will provide positive opportunities through youth engagement, education, mentoring and free football sessions. By taking services directly into hotspot areas and building relationships with young people, we can help steer them away from anti-social behaviour and towards positive activities.

 “This is a great example of partners coming together with a shared goal: making our communities safer, supporting our young people, and protecting the public services that everyone relies upon.

“I'd like to thank everyone involved in making this project a reality, and I look forward to seeing the positive difference it will make across Bradford.”

The Police Partnerships session is delivered as part of the Foundation’s pre-existing Premier League Kicks project, a scheme funded by the Premier League Foundation which provides free football sessions and workshops for young people across the country.

Since starting, 72 young people have engaged in the Police Partnerships project, and 100% of attendees have fed back that the sessions have helped them feel included, safe, form better relationships and improved their confidence and self-esteem.

The initiative also aims to break down barriers that may otherwise prevent young people from accessing these opportunities, providing a welcoming environment where they can connect with others, develop new interests and benefit from positive experiences within their community. 

Alongside this, the sessions provide an opportunity to raise awareness of the serious consequences of anti-social behaviour and vandalism, helping to reduce the risk of these behaviours through positive engagement, inclusion and access to meaningful alternatives.

Mubs Mahmed, Social Value Manager at First Bus, added: "At First Bus, we believe opportunities should never be limited by transport barriers. We're proud to support this partnership, helping young people access sport and community activities that build confidence, create connections and support brighter futures. By working together, we can make a lasting, positive impact on young people and the wider community."

The Foundation works with West Yorkshire Police on a referral process for young people attending the sessions, to establish mentoring opportunities for young people vulnerable to criminality and anti-social behaviour. 

More on the Premier League Foundation

The Premier League Foundation, formerly known as the Premier League Charitable Fund, is one of the biggest sport charities in the world.

Established in 2010 to create positive sporting, health, personal and education opportunities for children, young people and the wider community, the independent charity distributes Premier League and partner funding to professional club charities across the Premier League, English Football League and National League.

Today, 106 club charities from the National League to the Premier League are supported to address important societal issues and have life-changing impact in their local communities.

The Premier League Foundation distributes around £34million a year to club charities, from the Premier League and partners, helping them to employ more than 7,500 people.

More on Premier League Kicks

For 20 years, Premier League Kicks has used the power of football to help young people develop skills, confidence and aspirations, on and off the pitch.

The programme creates opportunities for young people who are at risk of anti-social behaviour, youth violence and/or from high-need areas to regularly engage in football, sport, mentoring and personal development opportunities.