Local man thanks Bradford City FC Community Foundation for showing him The Way Forward

Toyi Hussein, a regular participant at the Bradford City FC Community Foundation’s flagship programme, The Way Forward, says the project gives him a reason to get up in the morning, and that he has learned and grown a lot from it.

Toyi’s journey is being shared as part of Scan to Smile, a new EFL initiative designed to lift spirits during the January blues and shine a spotlight on the life-changing work delivered by football club charities.

Toyi said: “The Way Forward has given me the chance to get out of the house and do something I enjoy. It’s easy to stay at home all day. Being able to get out, meet people and make friends. Getting active and doing something fun each week has really helped with my physical and mental health. I’ve learnt a lot about myself, about communication and how important it is to get to know people, and obviously a little bit about football too! The team here at Bradford have been really helpful - they’re always checking up on me, linking me in with opportunities, and encouraging me to get involved.”

Toyi attended The Way Forward sessions with his twin brother, Bukuru. Together, the two of them met and got to know a group of young men from similar backgrounds, with a shared love for sport, and similarly limited opportunities for further education and employment. Toyi and his fellow participants engaged in both sporting sessions and a series of workshops over their time on the project.

Pavan Sembi, Head of Community Engagement and Inclusion at the Foundation, who oversees The Way Forward, said: “Toyi and his story typifies everything we want The Way Forward to be. Getting to know him over his 12 weeks on the programme has been a joy, and our team are proud of all the personal growth and improved confidence he has displayed. It’s clear how much fun he has had with us, and we’ve enjoyed having him and his brother at heart of the programme.”

The Way Forward, which is funded by a £100,000 grant from the SkyBet EFL Building Foundations Fund, runs every Friday across BEAP Community Partnership and the Foundation’s City Hub, right next to the University of Bradford Stadium on Valley Parade. The programme combines sport, coaching, workshops and life skills to build confidence, resilience among young men who need support on their journeys into adulthood.

Ian Ormondroyd, Bradford City FC Community Foundation CEO, said: “We are incredibly pleased to be able to highlight Toyi and tell his story as part of the Scan to Smile campaign. The launch of The Way Forward has been a huge success for us, and Toyi’s journey has set the standard for what we aim to deliver for young men in Bradford. I’d like to commend him for all of his efforts in his time with us, and we hope sharing his story with the Bantams faithful will both give them a reason to smile, and inspire them to find out more about all we do here at the Foundation, and recognise the impact our work has on our community.”

Toyi was part of the programme's first cohort, as the project launched over a 12-week period. He and his fellow participants were celebrated at a special graduation event at the University of Bradford Stadium, where they were joined by Bradford City AFC stars Bobby Pointon and Matt Pennington for a chat about their journeys in life, the importance of positive male role models, and how to overcome challenges, as well as the Not the Top 20 podcast and ITV’s English Football League Highlights show.

More on Scan to Smile:

Posters displayed around EFL stadiums from 23 – 31 January will invite supporters to scan QR codes, alongside codes on-screen during all live EFL games broadcast on Sky Sports Fans can scan these to unlock uplifting stories like Marc’s, showing how football changes lives far beyond the pitch.

Trevor Birch, Chief Executive at the EFL said: “Scan to Smile is about harnessing the power of football to lift spirits and share real stories of hope. Behind every Club are people whose lives have been positively changed through the work and dedication of their local EFL Club charity. This initiative gives supporters the chance to see that impact firsthand and reminds us that football truly is a force for good.”