Foundation hosts free multi-sport camps for children in Bradford

All attendees at the Community Camp received a medal, certificate, water bottle and chance to meet City stars Andy Cook, Harry Ibbitson and Calum Kavanagh.

The Bradford City FC Community Foundation hosted two weeks of free, multi-sport summer camps for children and young people in Bradford and the wider district, supported by the Premier League Fans Fund and delivered alongside Bradford City AFC Women and Girls.

Around 50 children and young people attended each day over the two-week period, which consisted of week-long camps for both girls and boys, hosted at Carlton Bolling School. The camp came with no charge, and attendees were invited to engage in a range of multi-sport games and activities, including dodgeball, cricket, archery, table tennis and football.

The event, named the ‘Community Camp’, welcomed participants from some of Bradford’s most socially deprived wards, including central Bradford, Manningham, Holmewood and Girlington.

Foundation coaches engaged participants at the Community Camp with a wide range of sports.

Craig Farrand, the Foundation’s Director of Sport, said: “The Community Camp has been a major success for us here at the Foundation. Every child in Bradford deserves to be able to access engaging, fun and positive experiences, and by offering this camp for free, we’ve been able to deliver that. We have had children and young people join us over multiple days in these two weeks, and that has enabled us to see first hand the growth they have gone through, not just in developing their sporting abilities, but in how they socialise. I’d like to thank the Premier League Fans Fund for supporting the camp, Carlton Bolling for hosting it, and our fantastic team of coaches for delivering a memorable, impactful experience for everyone we welcomed over the past two weeks.”

All participants were provided with lunch every day at the camp, as well as upcycled Bradford city kits from past seasons, as part of the Foundation’s commitment to sustainability. Participants also received medals, certificates, prizes and bespoke water bottles supplied in partnership with Wynsors World of Shoes.

The Community Camp was supported by the Premier League Fans Fund and Wynsors World of Shoes.

Bradleigh Pioli, the Foundation’s Head of Events, said: “The summer holidays are a chance for young people to experience new things, meet new people and challenge themselves. Over the past two weeks we have seen local boys and girls do just that at the Community Camp. As a mother of three children, I know how important keeping them occupied during the summer holidays is, how expensive that support can be, and how important it is to know that they are out attending something which they are both enjoying and learning from. We are proud to have welcomed so many children and young people to the camp with us, we are proud that we were able to ensure they all received a nutritious meal while they were with us, and we are proud of the lasting impact events like this can and will have on them.”

Participants were surprised on the final day of the camp with a visit from Bradford City AFC stars Andy Cook, Calum Kavanagh and Harry Ibbitson. The City players held a Q&A with attendees, posed for photos, provided autographs and joined in with some of the multi-sport activities delivered on the day. 

City star Andy Cook attended the Community Camp to speak to participants, take photos and sign autographs.

Andy Cook, City’s number nine, said: “It was great to get to the Community Camp, and see all the great work the Foundation is doing. Seeing all these kids getting involved in their summer holidays is fantastic - we had a great reception when we walked in! It’s so important that kids have somewhere to go and something fun to do in the summer, and to stay active.”

The Bradford City FC Community Foundation runs sports camps during every half-term throughout the academic year.

Attendees at the Community Camp tried their hands at multiple different sports - including archery!

More on the Premier League Fans Fund:

The Premier League Fans Fund is administered through the Premier League Charitable Fund. The Premier League Fans Fund provides grants to support football clubs at all levels of the game to strengthen connections between them, their fans, and local communities. 

The fund supports a range of fan-focused and fan-led projects, helping to foster a sense of belonging through meaningful engagement. This includes schemes for under-represented groups, to further develop an inclusive and welcoming matchday experience for everyone. 

To find out more about the Premier League Fans Fund, please visit: www.premierleague.com/plcf