Team effort lands Bradford Disability Football Club McDonald's sponsorship
Bradford Disability Football Team has secured sponsorship with three local Bradford based McDonalds outlets. And it all got off the ground through the continued efforts of one of the team's players.
Matthew Groves-Hemmingway has learning difficulties and can not engage in conversation with people. However, through social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter he has been able to contact a number of local businesses to raise awareness and even a sponsor for the club.
Bradford Disability Football club was founded in 2002 with an initial grant of £1,000 and eight players. Now, it has over 80 members aged from 6 to 60 including City’s Wembley Mascot, Jake Turton. The club is a part of the Bradford City FC Community Foundation and the chairman is Ian Ormondroyd, ex Bradford City Player. He is also known as ‘Big Stix’ for those who listen to Pulse Sport on Matchdays. Ian Ormondroyd said:
“The club has been running nearly 12 years and it has grown from 8 to 80 players. It really shows the value the disability club adds to the community and its players when they come together in this way to support the team. We are all very proud of Matty and excited to welcome McDonalds as a sponsor!”
Steve Foley, Manager of the McDonalds Store in Foster Square, worked very hard with his management team to make the sponsorship happen and was delighted to be able to support the team. He attended our launch as we handed out the kits to the players and Claire Epton, Bradford City photographer, was on hand to take a few professional pictures.
At the Bradford City versus Tranmere game, the club did a bucket collection and at half time two of our league teams played on the pitch.
All about: Bradford Disability Football Club (BDFC)
Bradford Disability Football Club provides twice weekly football training sessions for over 80 members of a range of disabilities and players are aged from 6 to 60. Adult teams participate in the West Riding Ability Counts League and North West League, playing other disability teams including Leeds, Pontefract, Everton and Liverpool. The teams have played internationally in Germany and Holland, with two of the teams players being called up to play for the Mencap England squad in Switzerland earlier this year. Juniors have short break trips each year and have taken on Premiership teams such as Chelsea and Manchester United FC.
The club is a family to many and provides more than access to football. It has made a real difference to the lives of the players, given them independence, helped develop their social skills and interactions as a team, as well as encourage participation in new activities. They offer respite to parents/carers, but many choose to get involved as volunteers. This means supporting the regular activities such taking players to home and away games, including a coach to Wembley, Twice!
Photographs: Claire Epton
