Foundation shows The Way Forward to support young men facing unemployment

The Bradford City FC Community Foundation has announced that registrations are open for The Way Forward, a new programme for young men aged 18–24 in Bradford who face high unemployment, poor mental health, and limited opportunities for personal development.

Each cohort will take part in a 12-week programme that will combine sport, coaching, and life skills to build confidence, resilience, and routes into education or employment for participants. At the end of the 12 weeks, participants will leave the programme with a new attitude towards their future, their prospects, their skills and themselves. 

Registration is open to any young men aged between 18 and 24 who are struggling with their mental health, and seeking support in gaining access to education and employment. Interested parties can complete this registration form. 

The programme will begin in mid-October. Those who register for the programme will be contacted with further details on course start dates and content.

Those who work with or know young men within the age range, and who are facing similar circumstances, are invited to refer them on to the programme, using this referral form. 

The Way Forward is inspired by Gareth Southgate’s response to The Centre for Social Justice’s Lost Boys report in March 2025. The official charity of Bradford City AFC has now committed to harness the power of sport and the City badge to make a positive change to the lives of some of the most vulnerable people in the Bradford community, giving young men in the city the self-belief and resilience they need to find their way forward in challenging circumstances, and in a challenging world. 

Anyone with any questions about the programme, or require more details, can get in touch with the organisers directly via email: pavan.sembi@bcfccommunity.co.uk

About the Sky Bet Building Foundations Fund

The Building Foundations Fund is in its second year and represents the largest multi-year sponsor-backed fund dedicated solely to community activity and the process offers the 72 EFL clubs a chance to bid for grants of up to £100,000 to invest in ongoing programmes or to develop new initiatives.

The EFL and Sky Bet agreed a record extension last year that saw the sports betting brand continue as the League’ title partner until the end of the 2028/29 campaign. The commitment to a community fund was an integral part of the extension agreement.