Report of Meeting with BCAFC

March 26, 2024

Bantams Supporters Trust met with the Club on Monday 26th February. It was a useful and productive meeting.

 

So much has happened since the last meeting. On the pitch we have seen improvement and the game against Wycombe in the semi-final of the EFL Trophy, despite losing, was widely seen as the best home performance this season so far. However, progress on the pitch has been halted due to the weather more than once this year.

 

Much of our discussion goes over our recent survey findings, and the survey itself covers some of the national picture as well, and the topics are regular features of what we discuss in these meetings. So, without further ado lets dive into it.

 

Report of the Meeting

 

Survey

The Trust reported that over 160 supporters took part in the survey and explained that 60% were non-members, and 40% were members of the Trust, and that the majority taking part were of an older age group, predominantly white male living in Bradford and west Yorkshire area, and 17% identified as Women.

 

Season tickets

The survey covers last season as well as the take up for this year, so, most supporters who took advantage of the early bird offer renewed in this way this season, and there was a slight increase on this seasons.

 

Digital

We also explained most pay in one go and most were satisfied with the process of purchasing season tickets. Breaking that down further, the levels of satisfaction are lower when it comes to digital ticketing over a physical card. It is likely that this is an age preference.

 

Matchday tickets

The vast majority, 87% strongly agree that they represent good value. 45% strongly agree with an online discount, whilst 41% strongly agree that £20 is a fair price for a matchday ticket, and 46% strongly agree that £15 is a fair price for the advance online ticket price.

 

The Club were clear that matchday prices were not going to become cheaper.

 

Bantams Membership Scheme

We explained that 70% of our participants were not members of the scheme. This may have been an age thing. 58% said that as a season ticket holder they felt they were Club members. And 49% said the benefits we not worth the price.

 

Of those that were members, there was no overall majority in terms of what enticed them. 54% said it was the loyalty points, 52% felt they wanted to contribute more to the Club and 4% said they were induced by the special offers.

 

Loyalty Points

There was no overall majority. Most people at 33% felt they didn’t have enough points to buy the away tickets they wanted. 25% said they had enough loyalty points to purchase all they wanted and 23% said they couldn’t buy any at all due to not having any points.

 

The Club found it hard to believe that some couldn’t buy any for not having enough points as most away tickets ended up being made available to season ticket holders and many went on general sale.

 

Perhaps there is a layer of supporters not constantly looking when away tickets come out with the perception they are not going to be able to get one because they don’t think they have enough points.

 

It was asked about whether the times of ticket release have changed as sometimes they’ve gone on sale at mid-day. It was said that they do sometimes resale in less than 24hr hours.

 

It was pointed out that if the team vastly improves on the pitch, the demand will be greater.

 

A point was made that smaller grounds with limited away capacity was a constant issue in the lower leagues.

 

It was pointed out that the loyalty point scheme was still fairer than the priority card. It was said that the Priority card didn’t work as it was taking money off supporters on the premise they’d get a ticket.

 

It was suggested from the Trust that the Bantam Membership Scheme acts in a similar way to the old priority card as it costs and the 100 loyalty points is an incentive in a competition to get more in order to buy away match tickets.

 

The programme

There was no overall majority view on this. No, probably not like to see it back won out at 37%. 27% did definitely want to see it back, and yes probably came in at 19%. And 15% said definitely not. So, it is likely that certainly the older age bracket would’ve liked to see it back but there is a wider reluctant acceptance that it won’t return.

 

The Club definitely said it was not cost effective to produce, and even the sponsors were not bothered about it as not many were actually bought. Colchester’s free programme was mentioned but theirs was run at a loss.

 

It was said that it was not only waste in money, and cost club money, but had an environmental impact. There was a lot of waste. 

 

The Club were committed to souvenir programmes – if we are in a glamour cup tie for example. This was felt to be a good concession.

 

Kiosks and bars

35% visit them every game and 20% rarely / occasional, 16% never, and 13% most games.

 

Value for money

The majority answer was ‘adequate’ at 37%. The second highest answer was poor at 27%. Very poor scored as much as 19%, whilst ‘good’ got over 19%, with ‘very good’ receiving over 1%.

 

Many popular additions to catering options Tiffins can’t do for the moment. Most supporters who took part in the survey want chips, 60%. Everything else was inconclusive. Gravy and mushy peas both scored 15%. Bitter / ale scored 18%, vegetarian alternatives scored 17% and both Bhajis and Samosas scored 21% and 20% respectively.

 

Other suggestions to improve in-stadium offerings reflected a dissatisfaction. Better quality of service, food and cheaper prices were all suggestions. Less queuing, cash sales, opening more kiosks pointed to the need to improve the services.

 

It was said that takings on the catering were on the up, and requests for things like gluten free products or vegetarian options for example were not done in general because the demand for them was not enough.

 

It had been said by Doug, the Manager of Tiffins catering that food requests could be emailed in. However, it was said that supporters who had arranged for something to be brought in would have to pick it up at a bar /kiosk.

 

Indicating levels of agreement on a range of statements/topics

The Trust doing a good job in representing supporters

Almost 24% strongly agreed, almost 37% somewhat agreed, and over 32% sat on the fence saying they neither agree or disagree, while nearly 5% somewhat disagreed and over 1% strongly disagreed.

 

The Supporters Board do a good job in representing supporters

15% strongly agreed, with 36% somewhat agreeing. 39% neither agreed nor disagreed, and 4% somewhat disagreed while nearly 5% strongly disagreed

 

Feeling that Bradford City’s supporter engagement is good

Over 15% said they strongly agreed, and over 46% somewhat agreed, and over 29% neither agreed nor disagreed. Only 6% at the time somewhat disagreed and over 1% strongly disagreed.

 

The Club felt quite pleased with this.

 

Feeling that Bradford City cares about you and your views

Only 8% strongly agreed with that statement. 40% somewhat agreed, and almost 32% neither disagreed nor agreed. Nearly 14% somewhat disagreed with over 5% strongly disagreeing with that statement.

 

Swearing and bad language is part of watching football

Over 13% strongly agree, with over 30% somewhat agreeing. Slightly less, 27% neither agreed nor disagreed with over 17% somewhat disagreed and nearly 11% strongly disagreed. There was no overall strong opinion about this.

 

We agreed with the Club on this one that swearing and bad language is widely accepted at football, and it is a society problem, and if we are trying to make football more inclusive to wider, diverse groups, then it needs to improve.

 

Importance retaining the 3pm blackout to protect lower league clubs

There was a stronger opinion felt about this one. 41% strongly agreed with this, and just over 26% somewhat agreed, with over 19% of you sat on the fence. Only 8% somewhat disagreed, and only 3% strongly disagreed.

 

This is in line with the national view of football fans.

 

The Club’s opinion was that football would be better if it was removed, saying that if fans couldn’t get to a game they should be able to have a choice of watching it on TV. They didn’t feel that smaller clubs would lose their regular footfall. They feel there is a fear that supporters may choose to be sitting at home over coming to the game.

 

It’s right to ban fans from drinking within sight of the pitch

There was no really strong view about this one. Although nearly 28% of you strongly agree and 24% somewhat agree. Just 16% sat on the fence on this with the same percentage somewhat disagreeing. Almost 13% of supporters strongly disagree.

 

It was said that fans on the continent drink on the terraces. The Club thinks it is a draconian law. The club felt current ban means that people are more likely to binge drink before a game, rather than drink slower during a game. The Trust felt it was a justifiable point.

 

Football is doing enough to encourage diversity and welcome Women, LGBTQ people and ethnic minorities to the game.

There was no strong majority opinion on this. Almost 15% strongly agree and over 35% somewhat agree. 34% are on the fence on this one, whilst only 6% somewhat disagree and 4% strongly disagreeing.

 

There should be an independent football regulator to ensure football clubs are run sustainably.

There is a stronger opinion felt about what you think this. Over 47% strongly agree that there should be an independent regulator. Over 34% somewhat agree whilst over 10% are sat on the fence. Over 4% somewhat disagree and just over 2% strongly disagree.

 

It was pointed out that time is running out before the end of parliament and it is difficult to see the White Paper (Fan-Led Review Report) being voted on at this stage

 

TV companies having too much sway in deciding kick-off times/schedules

There is definitely strength of feeling on this. Over 64% strongly agree with this whilst 28% somewhat agree. Nearly 7% are sat on the fence and only 1% strongly disagrees.

 

The Club believe this is the direction of travel for football, but at the same time there is a concern supporters could be over saturated by the power of the broadcasters.

We know that there is a heavy reliance on the expected income of TV broadcasting deals that can help clubs competing in the transfer market, but if broadcasters are dropped or fail to make a profits this could affect the continuity of expectation from club, which in turn may increase the likelihood of financial concerns.

 

Purchasing a season ticket TV package that exclusively shows all Bradford City’s away matches.

30% strongly agreed whilst 28% somewhat agreed. 23% were on the fence, and 5% somewhat disagreed while 9% strongly disagreed.

 

The difficulty with this one is in the lower leagues Clubs will always prefer bums on seats, and of course there are of course issues around the 3pm blackout which would mean none of our Saturday away fixtures would be at 3pm.

 

The bigger clubs can always not worry about bums on seats as they pretty much sell out away ends, and not worry about teatime or evening weekend kick offs as demand for tickets nearly always exceeds capacity.

 

The Club strongly agreed with wanting this. They referred to the 3pm ban saying that we have been living with the ban for so long that people have got used to it, and there is a fear of removing it because smaller clubs feel they will lose out to the armchair fan.

 

I consider myself a supporter of the Bradford City Women’s team

Only, nearly 8% strongly identified with it. 18% somewhat agree, and 44% where not that really bothered one way or another. 12% somewhat disagreed and 10% strongly disagreed.

 

It shows that despite the razzmatazz around the national women’s team and the bigger brand clubs, it has not had that transformative effect with our support base, and it is probably the case at many other clubs in League 1 and 2.

The Club agreed that the Womens’ game hasn’t really hit beyond some of the leading Premier League clubs.

 

Of the various initiatives supporters would like the Trust to focus its campaigns and communications on:

  • Improving the atmosphere came out top with 47%;
  • Linked to that was safe standing / railed seating at 34%;
  • Registering Valley Parade as an Asset of Community Value (ACV) received 38%;
  • 33% selected Working to lower ticket pricing/reciprocal deals with other clubs;
  • 28% opted for Supporting diversity initiatives such as Kick it Out and Fans for Diversity campaigns;
  • Nearly 27% want to see us working to improve the policing and stewarding at home games;
  • and 26% want to see us work with the Club and police to improve away travel and matchday experience;
  • and 24% of you want us to support local community initiatives.

 

Other suggestions were: disabled parking, catering, events, the steps up to the pavement behind the Kop get too congested and there's ample space to widen them.

 

The Club said regarding widening the steps to the pavement from the kop, that the road is the responsibility of the Council.

 

Liaison Officer developments

It was reported that they now have taken on three volunteers for the disability SLO role, and Marco Townson overseas the different SLO areas.

 

Season ticket prices and special offers for next season

It was reported that the Club hadn’t yet decided on their options, and whilst freezing the price at £198 was an option, over the last 3 seasons it had stayed the same price, but the cost of running the Club operations have increased, their overheads have increased by 32% and they may have to look at increasing cost.

 

Railed Seating

The Trust suggested using this opportunity to raise the £70 - £80 estimated cost to fund the implementation of railed seating for those wanting to create the atmosphere and who would like the choice to stand in a designated area through marketing a specific area of the ground through season tickets. So for example, the Trust suggested, if everyone paid an extra £3 over two seasons for two railed seated areas of 2,000 it would pay for itself.

 

It was explained however that the Club had more immediate pressures in maintaining fixtures and fittings within the stadium. Roof repairs was cited as an example.

 

Premier League Proposals

This largely refers to offers to the EFL from the PL money to be cascaded down where there is no agreement yet. An element of this is linked to the PL’s deal with TV Broadcasters, and linked with the TV package is FA Cup proposals which would mean no replays and rescheduling. Semi final and final ticket pricing among other things are also been discussed.

 

Improving our Structures Dialogue with the Club

It was explained that the Trust felt whilst there is much gained with the Club in terms of it’s ongoing discussion and debate through our structured dialogue, the Trust has not been on a same level playing field as the Supporters Board (SB). A Trust aim is working with the Club on projects. For example, consultation about the season tickets for next season could’ve involved both the Trust and SB. Club publicity of its structured dialogue with the Trust is another example raised.

 

At some clubs they publicise jointly agreed reports of meetings is another good practice example.

 

The Trust feels it is fantastic that the Club gives the amount of time it gives us, and we discuss things that are national as well as all things Bradford City in a way that is not done with the SB.

 

We meet three times a season with the Club, which is well within the recommendations for structured dialogue.

 

It is true that as we are an independent organization it is important to maintain that independence, however, building a partnership for example, being involved in any consultation exercises, being involved in a process, a community partnership, a diversity or inclusion campaign, joint work on policing and stewarding of away matches, and being part of something which raises the profile of a specific project and the Trust’s profile is something that many other Trusts have achieved and we have achieved in the past.

 

In many ways, the Trust feels that it has made progress in being able to have this structured dialogue with the Club that it hasn’t had before, however, it is always good practice for both the Trust and Club to be jointly looking at ways of improving in building on the good relationship we have.

 

Finance

Commercially the Club is growing, on the ticketing side the Club is down, and catering the Club is doing better.

 

Paperwork will be published for all to see when the accounts are done.

 

Ownership

It was asked about Stefan Rupp coming to attend. It was suggested that he didn’t have to physically attend, it could be on a Zoom call and it was suggested with both the Supporters Board and ourselves.

The Trust Always Remembers

May 11, 2026
Remembering the 54 Bradford City supporters and two Lincoln City supporters who went to watch a game of football but never returned home. We stand with everyone at the Memorial Service in Centenary Square and those that join us from all parts of the UK and the world to mark the 41st anniversary of the Valley Parade Fire Disaster.

The winner of the Young Player of the Year 25-26

May 8, 2026
We would like to thank all of you who voted for the Supporters Trusts’ Young Player of the Year 2025/26. The annual awards and dinner on the 28 th April was a celebration of a team that have been at the top of the table all season. We had just fought to get a well deserved point at the last home match of the season in front of a great home crowd against Bolton Wanderers, and then at the weekend, we finally secured our place in the Play-Off’s beating Exeter City 2-1 in Devon in front of a sell-out crowd at St. James’ Park. This season, the team have had to really compete against much stronger teams in League One than those in League Two over the course of the season. Congratulations goes to the gaffer, Graham Alexander who has been the orchestrator of the team, encouraging a positive attitude to the game, belief and confidence throughout what is always a rollercoaster of a season. And of course well done to Antoni Sarcevic and Bobby Pointon who picked up the joint Players’ of the Year Award. Young Player of the Year The winner of the Trust’s Young Player of the Year is Jenson Metcalfe! He narrowly beat Bobby Pointon on winning the prize, voted by you, the supporters! We would also like to give a special thanks to Tony Deacon, who gave Jenson the award. Once again, a big thank you to all of you for taking part. You know who you are and we very much appreciate your involvement in this event and making it a success. You can see the list of all who won an award on the night here .

Bucket Collection Thank you

April 28, 2026
We would like to thank all of you who participated in the Bucket Collection on Saturday April 25 th at Valley Parade, our last fixture of the season against Bolton Wonderers. The Trust had 8 volunteers with buckets all around the ground. There will have been a few more helping out also. We raised an amazing £5071.27, which includes £545 of online donations on the day. We’d like to thank all the supporters of that very impressive attendance at Valley Parade of 23,732 that made a contribution. And, once again we would like to thank all the collectors for doing your bit. This has been a great collective exercise and great achievement.

Final call for bucket collectors

April 21, 2026
Its not long till’ Saturday, and it would be great to have more volunteers. We do already have a handful of committed souls but we can never have enough. Last year, we had approximately 15 volunteers, with mostly our members and supporters from the Disability Club and Shipley Bantams. For the 40 th anniversary we raised an amazing £7,387.70 during the bucket collection before the match, almost double on what was raised the year before. If you would like to be involved in the bucket collection please contact us at hello@bantamstrust.co.uk . Arrangements Volunteers should arrive from 1pm outside the WD Gate entrance - the large gates opposite the club shop. Our names will be ticked off before we all receive buckets and then stand outside the various entrance points around the ground.

Burns Research Unit bucket collection volunteers appeal Reminder

April 14, 2026
It is rapidly coming to that time of year when we will all be coming together give our respects to those who tragically lost their lived in the Valley Parade fire, and this year will mark the 41 st anniversary. Last year, we had approximately 15 volunteers, with mostly our members and supporters from the Disability Club and Shipley Bantams. For the 40 th anniversary we raised an amazing £7,387.70 during the bucket collection before the match, almost double on what was raised the year before. This year, our last home match of the season, versus Bolton Wanderers is on the 25 th of April, and as always there will be a bucket collection. If you would like to be involved in the bucket collection please contact us at hello@bantamstrust.co.uk . We normally expect volunteers to arrive from 1pm outside the WD Gate entrance - the large gates opposite the club shop. Our names will be ticked off before we all receive buckets and then stand outside the various entrance points around the ground. We don’t think it will be any different. We’ll be putting out another reminder next week so we hope to have confirmation by then.

Burns Research Unit bucket collection volunteers appeal

April 9, 2026
It is coming round to that time of year when we will all be coming together give our respects to those who tragically lost their lived in the Valley Parade fire, 41 years ago now. This year, our last home match of the season, versus Bolton Wanderers is on the 25 th of April, and as always there will be a bucket collection. The bucket collection is a way of allowing all supporters to help participate in raising vital funds for Bradford’s Plastic Surgery and Burns Research Unit (PSBRU). This collective practice helps adds to the impact of the remembrance as well as the one-minute silence we have just before Kick off. If you would like to be involved in the bucket collection please contact us at hello@bantamstrust.co.uk Last year, we had approximately 15 volunteers, with mostly our members and supporters from the Disability Club and Shipley Bantams. For the 40 th anniversary we raised an amazing £7,387.70 during the bucket collection before the match, almost double on what was raised the year before. We’ll be putting out another reminder in the run up to this last match of the season with details of the time and where to meet to sign out the buckets from the Club for the collection.

Tony Delahunty Speaks at the Exchange Craft Beer House

April 8, 2026
Here is a personal account of Bantams Supporters Trust Board member, Tony Deacon, describe the very successful event of Tony Delahunty talk about his experiences as a commentator for Pennine Radio in the 80’s in aid of the Burns Unit. On Good Friday Helen Jeffery and I welcomed Tony Delahunty to the exchange on behalf of Bantams Supporters Trust. There were a lot of fans assembled in the Pub wanting to hear his talk. Over the next 45mins Tony delivered a very emotional and moving talk about his experiences on 11th May 1985, and the subsequent aftermath. He told of how he was asked to leave Pennine radio shortly after the fire. This was due to people writing to the radio station and saying his voice was too distressing. From Pennine radio he went to radio Trent. After a disastrous interview he thought, ‘seen as I’m here I will blag an interview with Brian Clough’, which he did. When this interview aired, radio Trent got in touch and said you’ve got the job. He then went on to be one of the few journalists Clough would talk to. He ended the talk by telling us about the documentary, ‘The Unforgotten’, that Manny Dominguez and I were privileged to attend the premiere of at the media museum ahead of the BBC screening last year. It has been nominated for a BAFTA. After the talk I took the time to walk him to his taxi. During this time he said he really enjoyed doing the talk and was made to feel so welcome in the Pub. He also said he would love to do another talk with more humorous stories about City & Clough. On behalf of the Supporters Trust we would like to thank Tony Delahunty for a very informative talk. Also Ben Hoole for allowing us to use the Pub. A collection for the Burns unit was held during the talk and extended during the day. So hopefully we will have raised quite a bit. Tony Deacon

Tony Delahunty at the Exchange Craft Beer House

April 2, 2026
For those City fans of a certain age, tuning into Pennine Radio for the football in West Yorkshire in the early 80’s, you may remember the familiar voice of Tony Delahunty commentating on the fortunes of Bradford City up and down the country. Well, he will be appearing at what many of us remember as the old Ale Exchange this Friday, raising money for the Burns Unit. On the 3 rd of April, before the Northampton game, Tony will be speaking at the Exchange Craft Beer House about his stories during his time commentating on the City action. Tony was commentating on the tragic day of the fire. Now 82, Tony is retiring from radio. In recent years he ran an independent radio station, Mansfield 103.2. The Trust has helped organise this event and he is now an Honorary Patron of the Trust for being a great servant to Bradford in the past and as sports commentator around the world. Tony will be at the bar from 12 so come down and see him and raise a glass and make a donation for the Burns Unit. We hear he tells some good stories! He will be at the Ale Exchange for only an hour, as he will be treated at the Club before the match as well.

Report of Trust Meeting with BCAFC - March 2026

March 31, 2026
In attendance from the Club were, Liam Mould (LM) – Club Fan Engagement Officer. Representing the Trust there was, Manny Dominguez (MD) – Chair). Apologies were given from Tony Deacon (JB), Helen Jeffery and Matthew Pickles (MP). The Trust’s purpose to meet the Fan Engagement Officer was firstly to see the scope of LM’s role and how it meets a Trust’s desired role of what it looks like and how we can work together going forward. Supporter Liaison Officer role LM briefly informed us that his main requirement is to lead in maintaining gold in family excellence in the EFL by ensuring the operations activities on a match day go to plan, for example Billy’s Coup, staff on hand for advice and giving out fruit, half time activities, external group organisation and partners’ stalls, and the flags being put out, and a lot more. Also he meets with existing supporters groups such as the Supporters’ Board, LGBT Bantams and Bangla Bantams. We looked at the FSA guidance to the role of SLO . MD had good comments that LM had been visual on matchdays certainly in the main stand and that he was at the recent away match at Burton Albion, so certainly having a visual presence for fans to be on hand to see is a desired requirement. MD commented that the main stand concourse does certainly look more colourful and welcoming for all. The Club also has 2 disability Liaison Officers that can be seen around the stadium on matchdays also. A concern that the Trust had was that there maybe too many other responsibilities to the job so that desired SLO or Fan Engagement roles could not be fully fulfilled, something that may have been an issue previously. Fan Engagement Plan (FEP) We looked at the FSA’s guidance for Supporter Engagement in the EFL , namely about rules adopted by the EFL in 2024. The FSA’s senior paid officials with a selection of Trust reps meet with senior EFL reps and have a structured dialogue quarterly throughout the year so recommendations get through and are adopted at EFL AGM’s and information cascaded to Clubs, so these papers benefit EFL clubs on a day to day basis. The minimum fan engagement requirement is two meetings/fans’ forums a year. Our club goes over and above this. It also talks about a Fan Engagement Plan or FEP and complete an FEP Review. In a nutshell the guidance is for both Clubs and fans groups to work together and to collaborate on things where possible. This is the ideal way. Engagement Models We looked at various models of supporters groups and how Clubs work with them. The Club engages with various models of supporters groups. The most established are the Supporters Board and ourselves, the Supporters Trust. The Supporters Board model has changed from its original set up that had a mixture of elected and selected/appointed members representing the widest number of supporters through representatives of various supporters groups and the Supporters Trust was represented in that body. Over the years Supporters Boards have become Supporter Advisory Boards (SAB’s) perhaps more common in the Premier League and EFL Championship. Bradford City’s Supporters Boards no longer has Trust representation on that body MD explained, as in recent years, its constitution changed, but now the Trust has a structured dialogue directly with the Club. Going back to the various engagement models and the structures, the Club engages with, it has the Fans’ Forum twice a year and then has the Trust, which its aim is to meet quarterly and it has the Supporters Board which it meets monthly. The Club also puts out occasional questionnaires to canvas opinion too. The Club also has a strong focus on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) that is discussed at the Club Governance meetings that have invited the Trust and Supporters Board reps to attend. LM said that he is involved in working towards an EDI plan and through that they want to develop the Disability group and LGBT group into genuine bodies similar to associations. They also have initiated Responsible Bantams, Sustainable Bantams and Together Bantams from the EDI work as well. The long-term aim LM said, is to bring these things into a Fans Advisory Panel which the Trust would be invited on as would the Supporters Board. MD was in favour of this broader advisory panel, citing the FSA recommendation of a having a ‘reserved seat’ for representatives of key independent, democratically structured supporters groups such as the Trust. Trust Proposals within FEP MD explained that we have had a number of proposals that had been agreed at the numerous structured dialogue meetings but have not fully appeared in the FEB document. Firstly there is a statement. There is a separate link to that on the website in the Fan Engagement area which is great but should really be in the FEP document. The Fan Engagement area isn’t very accessible on the Club website. LM said it was on the actual PDF doc. MD said he would check later. Secondly is our quarterly arrangement- adding the four months of the year: August, November, Feb and May. And finally, adding an amendment to the text on ‘Heritage Assets’ that we will be consulted also. MD had shared 2 links to Club fan engagement plans – both Clubs are well established higher up the football pyramid – Championship side, Stoke City and Premier League Sunderland . Both these clubs have excellent Fan Engagement Plans that we should work to developing. FEP Review: Mid season and end of Season Review. We briefly discussed how we can work together to review the Fan Engagement plan. LM felt the mid-season review would repeat the pre-season review, so felt it wasn’t necessary. Consultation This neatly led us to the Trust perception of how the Club consults with us. We feel that we do get to have in depth conversation about the progress of the Club and we are vey grateful and feel this is very useful and good that it gives us such in-depth knowledge and overview, however, quite often, from a fans point of view, supporters are asking about situation after decisions have been made, and when we pre-empt when the Club are going to make a decision on something, for example, season tickets, there is very little to say on the matter, until its almost ready to be publicised when decisions have already been made and there is no going back. Genuine consultation is when 2 parties discuss ideas and decisions are made together where the experience and knowledge of being a fan is taken into account to factor in that input. Quite often as fans we are chasing a moving feast asking why has this or that being done or not being done. Matchday Policing of matches and overcrowding – MD brought up experiences, particularly at Wigan were fans were held back in their seats after the match and more recently at Burton there was overcrowding, For the Wigan game, one supporter wrote to the opposite SLO about the incident and he got a detailed account from the ‘Silver Commander’ police officer. LM suggested we can have a more in depth discussion about these incidents when we meet again in August for the meeting on safety and behaviour with Paula Watson (PW), the Director of Operations, Jonathon Heaton, the Clubs’ Safety Officer and the West Yorkshire Police Dedicated Football Officer for the Club, Aaron Dennis, in August. B Block issues and proposal – We picked up a conversation from a previous meeting , where it was raised that issues are still rumbling. LM was able to get an idea and MD proposed that we could work together to meet with the groups for a form of concession bargaining mediation meeting to find agreement. Ideas for fan engagement events MD firstly explained that some of the events that we have at the Club are too expensive for ordinary supporters to afford. The end of season dinner is a prime example at £80 per person. LM countered that this the End of Season dinner aligns with the club’s pricing strategy when looking at increased costs across the operation while also noting a recent trend in a large selection of the supporter base leaning towards premium options. Comparing to retail, the club shop has items at a ‘higher’ price and items at a low-mid price, in order to appease everybody. A similar model is taking place with events now – with the introduction of the Events Pass – working out at £6 per event for u12s - a cheaper option for supporters to meet players at a cheaper price. MD said we should go back to pie and pees events in the suites for supporters groups, veterans to meet the stars at very down to earth prices. Life is a constant battle to try not to spend due to rising costs. Older people can be more isolated these days. The Club could bring them together to talk about old times and memorable matches from the 60’s 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. The Club could bring in speakers to talk about their experiences for Black history month or international women’s’ Day without a 3 course diner, just tea – coffee, a bar maybe and an assortment of finger food. In years gone by the Trust was part of a Community Day that was held just before the season started, where we would get some of the stalls put out in the suites, and there was a bouncy castle outside and football tournament s on the pitch and events on the concourse in the main stand as well. LM said he would take this on board. Any other Business MD raised about alterations on the concourse of the Midland road had aroused a lot of discussion and concern about losing their seats to a bigger away fan allocation. LM said there had been adequate communication about the extra security gate. LM said that there was an email sent to those with seats in that stand. It can be raised for the next Structured Dialogue meeting to be held in May. Next Meeting It was agreed that the FEP end of season review meeting should be held towards the end of May.

Vote for your Young Player of the Year 2026

March 13, 2026
It is that time of year again! It’s time for you to vote for this seasons 2025-26 Bradford City Young Player of the Year. All Members of the Trust can take part. This season, Graham Alexander’s team had a flying start to this season and for the first half of it, overall, we remained 2 nd in the table, and whilst up to now, even though we haven’t been quite as consistent, we have hovered over third and fourth in the table. Our form in front of record-breaking home crowds has been formidable. So far, at home we have won 14, lost only 2 and drawn 2 out of a total of 18. The highest attendance so far this season was against Huddersfield back in September, which was 24,075, and we won 3-1 with Bobby Pointon scoring twice. The game was one of the highlights of the season. This season, from the first team we have only 3 young players making an appearance from midfielders to forwards. Bobby Pointon (22), was voted your Young Player of the Year over the last two consecutive seasons. The former academy star has scored 9 goals, and has had 24 starts in the team so far. Jenson Metcalfe (21), signed a three-year deal last summer, the former Everton Player has now become a firm favourite amongst City fans. He’s had 31 League and cup appearances and scored two goals. Ethan Wheatley (20), is establishing himself in the team. The loanee from Manchester United has also represented the England youth team. The promising striker has made 8 appearances in City colours but has not yet found the net. All three candidates eligible for the Bradford City Young Player of the Year 2025-26 have all made valuable contributions, but who has been your stand out performer? As with previous years this award includes current players under the age of 23 with at least 4 first team appearances in all competitions: Bobby Pointon (Central Midfield) Jenson Metcalfe (Central Midfield) Ethan Wheatley (Centre Forward) Voting starts today, Friday, March 13th and will end on Friday 17th April. The Player Of The Year Dinner and results announcements will be on Wednesday, 22nd April 2026. To vote, simply email us your number 1 Young player at hello@bantamstrust.co.uk . You can also let us know via our Facebook Group and Likes page as well as on our Twitter page.