Bradford College

City Football Club Teams with Local College

Bradford College and Bradford City Football Club have joined forces in a new and exciting partnership that is set to take the Education and Sports sectors by storm.

The innovative new collaboration aims to enhance the College’s sporting profile within the City of Bradford and region, whilst also helping to create the footballers of the future by providing top-class training and support through educational links.

Bradford College Principal and Chief Executive, Michele Sutton, OBE, was invited by the Chairman of Bradford City, Mr Mark Lawn to the grounds of the stadium to sign the official agreement between the two institutions, along with Directorate Project Manager, Ronnie Todd.

Speaking at the official signing of the partnership agreement, Michele Sutton, OBE, Bradford College Principal and Chief Executive said: “Bradford College is delighted to be entering into a partnership  with Bradford City Football Club.  Our vision for the future is to support Sport in the City. This gives us the opportunity to work with an organisation that we know is going to go places and we want to be part of that. We want our staff and students to support the development of the club and enjoy the facilities that we’re sponsoring for the future.   We hope that our involvement will assist the club in bringing forward a large number of supporters, as we believe it is important that clubs like this are supported by the local communities which they serve.”

The two institutions have helped to put Bradford on the international stage, building on a common interest, both Valley Parade and the College’s Trinity Green Campus are nominated venues for the London Olympic 2012 pre-games training camp guide.

Speaking about the joint collaboration between Bradford College and Bradford City, Mark Lawn, Bradford City Chairman said: “I think it’s a great opportunity for Bradford City to get involved with such a forward looking enterprise. Bradford College had been instrumental in driving forward Bradford – I hope this alliance helps to continue to promote the regeneration of Bradford.”

The College and Bradford City Football Club recently entered into discussions on how best they could work together to serve the sporting interests of the City. This resulted in Bradford College and City Training Services; the College’s company dedicated to delivering Apprenticeships and other Employment Engagement activities, entering a curriculum and sponsorship partnership with the Club. City Training Services Chief Executive Richard Hinchliffe said: “Our company is delighted to assist the Bantams on business and training opportunities.”

Commenting on the benefits of the joint partnership, David Baldwin, Director of Operations added: “The partnership is a fantastic opportunity to forge new links between Sport and Education.  We look forward to enjoying a long and fruitful relationship which will benefit both parties.”