Bantams show support for dads and male carers in Bradford in new campaign

(L-R) Foundation Director of Sport Craig Farrand, BCFT's Assistant Director for Early Help & Transformation Susan Claydon, and BCAFC star Paul Huntington attended the campaign launch at the City Hub.

Bradford Children and Families Trust alongside Bradford City Football Club Community Foundation highlight the importance of positive and healthy relationships for people across the district, supporting the Relationships Matter campaign and deeper thinking about relationships when delivering help and support to families. 

Bradford City FC Community Foundation have partnered with the Bradford Children and Families Trust in support of the Trust’s relentless drive to support healthy relationships and avoid the impact that poorly resolved conflict can have on children and families. The Foundation, Bradford City AFC’s official charity, has enlisted Bradford City players to share their experiences of fatherhood to mark the campaign.

A new short film, entitled ‘Winning Together’, features a series of insightful interviews with City stars Sam Walker, Tyreik Wright and Paul Huntington. They share experiences of being in a couple and fatherhood, with the aim of helping local fathers and male carers to talk about the challenges and the joys that they face and how, if there are difficulties, they can manage this positively. The film invites men to seek out the resources and support provided by the Bradford Children and Families Trust and other agencies.

Watch the extended version of the film here:

Ian Ormondroyd, the Foundation’s CEO and former City striker, said: “We are delighted to have partnered with the Bradford Children and Families Trust on this campaign, and to be able to leverage our unique position and relationship with the Club to get eyes on the fantastic work they do.

Susan Claydon, Assistant Director for Early Help & Transformation in the Trust, said:

“Bradford City AFC is in the heart of the city and with the committed following that the team has, what better place to get men thinking about their relationships with family members, raise awareness of our Relationships Matter campaign and to find out about sources of support and early help.

“Working together we have been able to create this brilliant video, and thanks to the support from Bradford City FC Community Foundation our Relationships Matter/Engaging Dads campaign will mean that more dads and families will be able to learn about what makes a healthy relationship and how we and others can help if there are problems.

Working with community partners is crucial to the Trust’s priority of getting the right support to families when they need it.”

The film will premiere for the Bantam’s faithful at City’s home game versus MK Dons on Saturday 22nd February. That fixture will also mark the Foundation’s first-ever Community Takeover Day, which will celebrate the work the Foundation does and its wide-reaching impact. 

To mark the Foundation and the Trust’s new partnership, the two organisations hosted an event for local dads and male carers on Saturday 15th February. Attendees were invited to provide their thoughts on what they would like future sessions to include, and that feedback will be used to inform the sessions going forward.

Local dads and male carers attended an event at the City Hub to launch the campaign and offer thoughts on support sessions.

These support sessions for dads and male carers will take place regularly at the Foundation’s City Hub, offering a free, engaging space for dads and male carers to connect with their peers and engage in beneficial and practical workshops and events. The Trust will also be running a Time Out for Dads course from the City Hub.

Billy Bantam attended the dad and male carer takeover event, and posed for photos with attendees.

Bradleigh Pioli, the Foundation’s Head of Events, said: “Partnering with the Trust’s Relationships Matter campaign is a pivotal step in our commitment to supporting the wellbeing of our community. By addressing such an important topic, we aim to provide a platform for organisations to foster awareness, provide valuable resources, and encourage meaningful conversations. This collaboration underscores our dedication to creating a positive, inclusive environment where individuals feel supported in building and maintaining healthy, respectful relationships.”

Those interested in seeking support can do so by visiting the FYI website.

Those interested in local Relationships Matter support can go to: Relationships Matter | Bradford Families and Young Persons