Bradford College

Future Sporting Stars Shine

Cracking cricketers Naweed Ghany & Vigar Block are the latest stars to emerge from the Bradford College Cricket Academy. Talent spotted during a recent trip to Sri Lanka – the boys have been taking the cricket world by storm with their outstanding performances.

The boys from Sri Lanka, whose quick moves and skilful bowling attracted the attention of Bradford College officials Ronnie Todd and Adil Mahmood, have also been signed up for an education and sports programme linked to Bradford College Cricket Academy.  As part of the exclusive deal, Naweed is studying BA (Hons) Business Administration and playing for the Bradford and Bingley Cricket Club, whilst Vigar is studying BSc (Hons) Business Computing Solutions and has been signed to the Great Horton Cricket Club.

The Minister for Sport, Mr Gerry Sutcliffe was invited to watch the team play at the Trinity Green Sport Hall, along with Ian Morrall, President of Bradford & Bingley Cricket Club and Bradford College Principal Michele Sutton, OBE.  Speaking as he looked on at the training session, MP Gerry Sutcliffe said: “The College has always been innovative in the way in which it addresses sporting issues. Not only have we got a College immersed in providing courses for the local community.  It’s also a College that attracts people on an international scale – helping to develop their sports careers and their education.”

Principal, Michele Sutton, OBE said: “The College has developed its Cricket Academy alongside its other Sporting Academies recently.  Through the Academy we’ve been able to attract some of the best young cricketers from around the world.” Watching the team during the practice session, Principal, Michele added: “Today’s training session demonstrates the great talents within the Cricket Academy. These students will have access to test matches and events, celebrating cricket.  We want to ensure that young people in Bradford, both girls and boys have an opportunity to play this fantastic game!”

From a young age, Naweed Ghany was a star in the making.  Renowned for being an all round performer of exceptional talent, he now has a string of international sporting awards under his belt. Commenting on becoming a member of the Cricket Academy, Naweed said: “This has been a great international experience for me, allowing me to balance studying with my passion for cricket.”

Commenting on the calibre of students playing in the Bradford College Cricket Academy, Ian Taylor, Sports Curriculum Team Leader said: “In all my years of Sport and Education – our current cricket team is the most outstanding, talented team I have ever come across.”  

Following their outstanding performances, the team are now set to play at the MCC, at Lord's, which is the 'Home of Cricket' and the most famous club in world cricket. Community Inclusion Activator, Shiv Krishan reflected: “The level of the talent that we’ve got at the College, surpasses some of the Bradford League Teams.   Within the team we have a First League Bradford player and a Huddersfield player, who has just been talent spotted.  Shiv added: “A lot of the members within the team are First Team Bradford League Players - the Bradford League is one of the best in the world!”

Ian Morrall, President of Bradford & Bingley Cricket Club concluded: “The Bradford College Cricket Academy is extremely talented.  We’re happy to join forces with the Academy to strengthen our team and to strengthen the Bradford Cricket League.” Ian continued: “Naweed Ghany is a great talent and has a promising future.  Playing League Cricket in Bradford will broaden his horizons, as it’s one of the best in the country.”   

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