Last weekend saw the first time Bradford Town Football Club have been able to play since the last lockdown, as well as being able to invite spectators back to their Trowbridge Road ground. But playing football is not all the lads have been up to recently!
Over the November lockdown, the squad decided to collectively run a distance of 867 miles, the equivalent distance between John O’Groats and Lands End, to raise funds for the Hub which has seen a huge rise in demand for help since the Covid-19 pandemic began.
Through their Crowdfunding efforts, the team have so far raised £540, to which the Town Council has added a further £500 (agreed at Full Council on 17th November), with an additional donation of £500 from the Wiltshire Council Area Board, totalling £1540 which will be used by the Hub to provide food and support services to those needing help in our community.
Tim Mourant, the club’s Commercial Manager said:
“The players came up with the idea, with team manager Lee Davidson electronically tracking the distances run by the lads to make sure each player was pulling their weight. The challenge was completed by Kurt Hammonds who ran the last few miles dressed as a snowman! I think it says a lot about the character of the squad that they wanted to raise money for a Bradford charity providing such vital work for the community. The players would like to give a big thank you to everyone who donated and the very generous support from BoA Town Council and the Area Board.”
The team put in a great effort last Saturday, scoring two excellent goals in the first half, albeit before the other team shot to victory in the second half of this FA Vase match.
Nevertheless, the fans seemed cheered to be back, and safe to say, the squad’s efforts over the past few weeks make them nothing less than community champions in our book!
Leader of the Council, Cllr Dom Newton commented;
“There have been so many acts of kindness, heroism and community spirit during this challenging year. It is heartening that so many have acted to help others, at a time when many in our community are continuing to endure huge and unexpected economic and social hardships brought on by the pandemic.
It’s vital that wherever we can, we continue this community effort; those who can donate money; those who can donate time; and in this case, those who can donate even fitness! On behalf of the Town Council, a huge thanks to the Bradford Town FC team on their outstanding achievement!”
Although the challenge has been completed, there is still time to donate by visiting: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/bradford-townfc-1
If you fancy supporting your local team, matches are held at the ground every other week (Saturdays and midweek evenings government guidelines permitting), with away matches having taken them as far afield as The Isle of Wight and Middlesbrough in previous FA Vase campaigns.
In non-pandemic times the ground, which was founded by Spencer Moulton in 1912, attracts around 150 for league matches but has seen crowds of over 500 for big games. Entry is £6 for adults and £3 for concessions, with spectators requested to follow Covid-safe guidelines when attending.
If you’d like to find out more about Bradford Town Football Club, visit their website: www.bradfordtownfc.com
You can find out about the vital food bank and services provided the Hub via our previous article HERE or by visiting their website: www.boahub.co.uk
Photos Lydia Booth Photography – More on our Facebook page @BoATownCouncil