Report of Trust meeting with BCAFC Improving Safety and Behaviour at Football Matches
September 16, 2025
In attendance from the Club: Paula Watson (PW) – Director of Operations
Jonathan Heaton (JH) – Safety Officer
From West Yorkshire Police: Aaron Dennis (AD) – Dedicated Football Officer (DFO)
Representing the Trust was, Manny Dominguez (MD) – Chair
Apologies were given from Matthew Pickles (MP) also from the Trust.
Bantams Supporters Trust met with the Club and a representative of West Yorkshire Police working with the Club on Tuesday 26th Aug.
The last time the Trust met with the Club was December 2022. That was at a time when the EFL had brought out its new supporter sanctioning guide, developed with the FSA (Football Supporters Association), to assist its 72 clubs in dealing with supporter behaviour issues. You can see the EFL sanctioning Guidance here and the Executive Summary here. You can see our report of the last meeting we had with the Club here.
At the time the Guidance had come out, Bob Eastwood, the EFL’s head of security and safety operations, said: “Following the return of fans, after the disruption caused by the COVID pandemic, the behaviour of some supporters has been placed under the microscope, which has prompted questions about how the football authorities deal with incidents that are in contravention of ticketing terms and conditions or ground regulations…” See full quote here.
MD asked how the Club’s Sanction and Banning Policy was used since the EFL’s guidance came in.
The Policy had been updated from around February 23 to put some detail of the variety of sanctions and the appeals process, and since then it has improved still further, for example, explaining what an acceptable behavior contract is and including ‘Education or Restorative Justice; in its’ levels of sanctions subject to the severity of the behavior. It also explains who (no names) the Appeals Committee’ comprises of. You can see the Policy here.
JH and AD broadly explained that that they have an ‘acceptable behaviour contract’ often for young people, and those under 18 that get involved in activities that stop short of what is breaking the law but could progress to that, where parents are informed and there is a 'ABC Yellow card' system which is part of an Acceptable behaviour Agreement.
AD explained that ‘Education’ is offered as a sanction and explains what behaviours / activities are football offences, the football ground regulations and what criminal offences are.
An Acceptable Behaviour Contract is overseen in the presence of the clubs safety officer and/or the Police. Parents or an appropriate adult may be present. If there are further instances of poor behavior, they may lead to the other sanctions.
It was further explained that police investigations are carried out at this time.
JH explained that there is a sanctions panel team that he attends and another staff member, as well as a supporter representative where possible that decides the type of sanction.
The subject has a right of appeal, and the Appeals Committee / Panel usually comprises of a senior staff member not involved in the initial sanctioning decision, the SLO, and where practical a nominated supporter representative.
MD said supporter perception was that poor behavior happened more at away grounds, but AD said that that’s not necessary the case, explaining that, at away games most of us either come on trains and supporter coaches, and we are all together in an enclosure, so incidents and anti-social behavior is more noticeable. At home the poor behavior is diluted all over the ground. Supporters come at different times and with big attendances right across the ground, it makes incidents less visable.
It was also pointed out that poor behavior is not just happening in and around the stadium or in city centres, there is an increase of online offences on social media and therefore this is included in the Banning and Sanctions Policy.
MD brought up a couple of incidents when City were away: Doncaster Rovers on ‘Black Friday’, December 22nd 2023 and last season when we went to Prenton Park, 12th October 2024. In both games we had won, but @ the Doncaster game, the disabled supporters were situated in the front rows behind the goal. When we had scored supporters had ran down the front to celebrate and wouldn’t return to their seats, obscuring the sightlines of the disabled supporters and it appeared stewards could do little about it. Some of the disabled fans were visibly upset.
In the incidents at Tranmere, supporters were allowed to congregate in the middle, standing on the stairways, so when we had scored in the first half, supporters on the stairways had toppled forward causing some to fall and cause alarm and upset. No one was seriously hurt but there could’ve been. In the second half, the stewards had gained control and most supporters were in or at least in front of their seats and those isles were clear.
MD said he had written to Tranmere Rovers several times and had not received a response. And the FSA had advised to ask if we (the Club) had communicated in advance about possible situations likely within our traveling support. And that supporter perception was that stewards and police don’t do enough quell tensions when they arise.
JH said that there is communication between clubs in advance of matches. We do have our own stewards to assist to manage our traveling supporters as it does help supporters to think twice to not get into bother. Often this is a reciprocal arrangement but Clubs have to request it
AD said that when there are large numbers to away grounds, those individuals that can get carried away in their support feel safe in those crowds to do as they please, but issues around persistent standing or other matters which would constitute a breach of ground regulations are not police matters as we (as in the police) do not have any power to enforce them, this is turn means the police do not as a rule enter the stands as this may escalate situations when they have no authority to impose such regulations. Arrests are often made after the match, or following investigation.
With regards to the Tranmere game AD said sometimes Clubs make mistakes in their strategies, and said that the halftime break allows stewards and police to regroup and gain control.
MD asked it if there are communications to supporters to deter supporters from misbehaving / being considerate to others. PW said that there are many comms on social media pre match and during the match on the scoreboard or at times on the tannoy.
MD asked about the ‘SQUAD’ training for stewards.
“Squad will improve the consistency & quality of training and allow all stewards to manage their own continuing professional development (CPD) through access to online training courses, resources and qualifications. Modules will include Equality, Diversity & Inclusion, Safeguarding, Counter-Terrorism training.”
An excerpt taken from an FSA’s EFL Network Meeting in June
PW said that this is for stewards that have had their training and on the Clubs’ database. It’s not a platform for new staff at the moment.
It was asked about supporter representation on the Safety Advisory Group (SAG) that regularly meets at the Club.
SAG’s provide specific advice and guidance to event organisers – such as football clubs – and usually have representatives from the local council, football club(s), police, and other emergency services. The local authority can then provide clubs with a safety license. In other words, without SAG approval, major football fixtures couldn’t take place. It is the local arm of the SGSA and is an essential way of ensuring good liaison between stakeholders. The FSA consults with the SGSA at national level and encourages its affiliated groups to be represented at the local SAG level. Indeed is a recommendation of the SGSA itself, see here.
MD advised a decision didn’t have to be made there and then.
To round up, there was a discussion of the prevalence of a minority who have a disregard to what acceptable behavior is in football and to a certain extent it has always existed and will always continue as this is mirrored in society in our communities, and that society is based on compliance – a willingness to accept and respect each other, social norms and rules and regulation.
We agreed to meet up yearly.
We, supporters’ groups from across Europe, representing millions of football fans, express our firm opposition to the ongoing attempt to subvert the rules of the game by allowing leagues to relocate games elsewhere around the world. The latest efforts to disrupt the nature of European football with La Liga and Serie A trying to relocate games to the United States and Australia are a direct attack on the essence of football. Should either of these leagues’ proposals be allowed to go ahead, it would instantly open a Pandora’s box with unpredictable and irreversible consequences. Every club, every national team, every fan base globally would be at risk of seeing the team they love taken away from them, relocated to another part of the world, for one game or more. Or see other countries’ competitions knock on their door, just as La Liga and Serie A’s presence would disrupt domestic football and fan culture in the United States and Australia. Football is based on a set of rules and principles and the rules of domestic leagues are simple: you play the same clubs home and away and the best team wins the league. Relocating games to foreign soil undermines this vital pillar of the game. Any deviation from the existing rules is a perversion of football for the sole purpose of entertainment and short-term financial gain. Clubs are neither entertainment companies nor traveling circuses. They exist for the benefit of their communities and provide a sense of belonging, where fans have been attending home games for generations. Breaking this vital bond, even temporarily, would undermine the cultural, social, and local roots that give our game its’ meaning. The concept of flying players, staff, fans, and others across oceans for a “home” game is absurd, unaffordable, and environmentally irresponsible. It goes against European football’s stated commitment to sustainability and accessibility for all. It risks surrendering our clubs and our leagues to the will of entertainment companies, dictatorships, or vulture funds, whose interests in taking European football away from its home go against the very fabric of our sport. Four years after European football stood united and defeated the super league, we are facing a similar existential threat. We invite fans, players, media, governments, and football officials to act in solidarity and take a stand at this decisive moment for the future of the game. We call on UEFA, FIFA, and all national associations to stand firm, play their role as regulators of the game, implement their existing regulations, reject these proposals, protect the integrity of the game, reaffirm their commitment to the European Sport Model, and ensure that football remains rooted in our communities, where it belongs. Don’t take the game away from us. #KeepFootballHome Ronan Evain, Executive Director of Football Supporters Europe. said: "If this goes ahead, it will be the end of football as we know it. UEFA, FIFA, Leagues and National Associations have an obligation to protect the game and reject these nonsensical proposals now." Co-signed by Football Supporters Europe and: 12 Crusaders, 1893 Supporter Tamm, 1894 Group, 1897 Group, 1899 Supporter Gemmrigheim, AberdeenDNA, accionistas adr, Accionistas Unidos Sevilla FC, Accrington Stanley Supporters Society Ltd, AGF Fanclub Aarhus, AISA – Arsenal Independent Supporters’ Association, Ajax Supporters Association, AKS Zły, albercl 80, Allezlesbleuschampions, Amalgamation of Official Northern Ireland Supporters Clubs, Amasmob, A Nedde OFC, APDA, Apmae, Arabako Garrasia, Armada Sud, Armada Vermelha, Arminia Supporters Club, Arsenal GayGooners Supporters Club, Arsenal Supporters Trust (AST), Arsenal Women Supporters Club, Artois Lens Boys, Asociación de Aficionados Unidad Herculana, Asociación de Peñas del Real Oviedo (APARO), Asociación de peñas Racinguistas, Asociación Los 50, Asociación Señales de Humo, Asso Béthune, Association de Défense des Supporters Stéphanois, Association Nationale des Supporters (ANS), Aston Villa disabled supporters association, Atrébates, BAFF (Bündnis Aktiver Fußball Fans) e.V, Bantams Supporters Trust , Barbarians Havrais 1993, Barnsley FC Supporters Trust, Benztown Connection, Besaya verdiblanca, Betis Bohemio, Betis Never Drinks Alone, Black and White Together, Blackpool Supporters’ Trust, Block Paris II, Bluebirds Supporters Trust, Bluebirds Trust, Bollaert boys, Brentford Football Community Society Limited (Bees United), Brentford Independent Association of Supporters (BIAS), Breisgauflitzer e.V., Brigada Ultras Sporting, Brigade Loire, Brigata Mai 1 Gioia, Brighton & Hove Albion Supporters Club, Bristol City Supporters Club & Trust, Brøndby IF Fan Department, Brøndby Women Fanklub, Brustringbrigade Sachsenheim, BrusselsPower 2005, Bullitouren, Burnley FC Independent Supporters Association, BVB Fan- und Förderabteilung, Cachorros Getafe, Camp Sweden TIfo, Cannes 1902, Cannstatt Fire, Cardiff City DSA, CCS Allez Racing, Celtic Disabled Supporters Association, Charlton Athletic Supporters Trust, ChéFrivilensois, Chelsea Disabled Supporters Association, Chelsea Supporters Club, Chelsea Supporters’ Trust, Chelsea Without Barriers, Cherries Trust, Ch’tis alpins, Ch’tis Boys, Chtis canaris, Clarets Trust, Club des Supporters de Monaco, Club Nr. 12, Colectivo Ultras 95, Col·lectiu de Penyes Valencianistes, Collectif Isarien, Collectif Ultras Paris, Colliers Wood United FC, Comandos Azules, Commando Cannstatt 1997, Corocotta, Corrillo Ultras, Crystal Palace Independent Supporters’ Association (CPISA), Curva Nord Milano/Secondo anello verde n il, Curva nord 12, Curva Rommel, Curva Sud Milano, Cymru DSA, D’blueje kempfer, Danske Fodboldfans, Dave Smith Loyal RSC, De Sparta Supporter, De Stichting 2023, Denon Athletic, Die Blockbrüder, Diesdorf Borussen, Directivo Ultras XXI, Disidencia Albinegra, East Fife Supporters Society, Eastside Borussen MV, El bus de los béticos, El Lotero Rockero Group, Elsass Racing, England Fans’ Embassy, Eskes, Esquinita del Tajo, Esteban Hortal Japón, Everton Fan Advisory Board, Everton Fans Forum, Excel’Lens, Exeter City Supporters Trust, F_in – Netzwerk Frauen im Fußball, Fairplay Initiative, Falkirk Supporters Society, Fama Boys Ultras 1990, Fan- und Förderabteilung Eintracht Frankfurt, Fan- und Förderabteilung des SV Darmstadt 1898 e.V., Fan- und Mitgliederabteilung 1. FC Union Berlin, Fanabteilung Eintracht Braunschweig, Fanarbeit Bern, Fanatico Boys Ultras Heidenheim 2008, Fan Club Forza HJK, FanRat Braunschweig e. V., FASFE – Accionistas y Socios del Fútbol Español, FC Muckefuck 2000, FC Schalke 04 Supporters Club e. V., Federación de peñas del Alba, Federación de peñas Rayo Vallecano, Federacón De Peñas Del Elche CF, Fédération des Supporters du RCS, Femmes de Malmö, Feyenoord Supporters Verenging “De Feijenoorder”, Fioi Della Nord, First Cork City Brigade (FCCB), Fly Me To The Moon fanzine, Fond du Bus, Fondo 1922, Fondo Azulón, Fondo Norte 1928, Forest Green Devils, Fortuna Supporters Collectief, Fossa Saló, Foxes Trust, FSA Cymru, Fulham Lillies, Fulham Supporters’ Trust, Galeere Cannstatt, Geezers Hietalahti, Gintonic Albiazul, GN 14, Gol sur 1907, Goodboys Wattrelos, Grada 1907, Grada Joven Almería, Grada Murcianistas, Green Angels, Green lads Barcelona, Green Yellow Ouest, Grizzly Blues, Grupo 1922, Gueules noires de bollaert, Guliganerna, Gurea DA-Accionistas Albiazules, Gypsies supporters trust, Haagsche Bluf, Halbzeit – Gemeinsam gegen Rassismus, Hammers United, Handi Storck, Handi Tolosa, HandiFan Club Rc Lens, Hart voor Heracles, Henk Nieuwenhuis, Hijos de Barrios, HK05, Hooligans Teddy Boys, Horda Frenetik, I coniugi, IF Gnistanin Kannattajat ry, Ilicitana Durante, Indians Tolosa, Insane Guys, Inter Turku Supporters, Iparlabeak, Ipswich Town Fans Supporting Foodbanks, Iraultza1921, Irish Supporters Network, Iron Lens, Irresistibles Français, Jaro Supporters, Juvenil1991, Juventud 1907, Juventude Leonina Boys, Juventudes Verdiblancas 1986, Kinderjim, Klanen, Kleeblatt-Fanabteilung, Klopit, Klubipääty, Kop Ciel et Blanc, Kop De La Butte 1992, Kop du ternois, Kop Rouge 1993, KPO Crew, Kridef, Krokobande, KSO’93, L’Esprit Canari, La Banda Rojinegra, La Hinchada del Arlanzón, Leeds United Supporters’ Trust, Leicester City Supporters Club, Lens Capitale, Lens Centre, Lens Normandie, Lens PACA, Lens Picardie, Lens’Buscade, Lens’Oye, Lensbudcade, Lensois Du Sud, Lensois On Line, Les Gueules Noires De Bollaert, Les lensois du sud, Les Téméraires, Letzi Junxx – Queer FC Zürich Fanclub, Levante Fans 1909, Leyton Orient Fans’ Trust, Leyton Orientear fanzine, Libertad VCF, Lingon’s Boys, Liverpool Disabled Supporters Association, Locals1903, Londra Bianconera, LUSN, Magia Tricolor, Magic Fans 1991, Magic Lens, Malaka Hinchas, Manchester United Disabled Supporters Association, Manchester United Youth Supporters Club, Marchena Fans Betis, Mauves Army, Mauves Army 2003, MBIDF, MCFC Fans Foodbank Support, Merlus Ultras 1995, MFF Support, Middlesbrough Supporters Forum, Milli Deste, Millwall Supporters Club, Milton Keynes Dons Supporters Association, Mineurs 2 fond, ML1, Mormile Raeticae, Movimiento Ambar, MUST (Manchester United Supporters Trust), My Old Man Said, NAC-Supportersvereniging, Nao’Hed, Nemetum Ultras, Newcastle United Supporters Club, Newcastle United Supporters Trust, Newport County AFC Supporters’ Trust, Nieuw Noord, Nordkurve Leverkusen e.V., Norsk Supporterallianse, North devils 08, Northampton Town Supporters Trust, Northern Ireland Seasiders, Nostra Ensenya, Notorious Boo Boys, Nottingham Forest Supporters Trust, Nukleo Ason, Old Rabbits Cannstatt e.V., Old School Hammers, Oldenburger Faninitiative e.V., Opale Lens, Orgullo Cazurro, Orgullo Isleño, Ösi Borussen 1909, Oss fanatics, Panthers Fano ’77, Pariser Section, Passione Paderborn, P.B. La Esquinita, Peña Albacetista K’Tomas, Peña Atlética de Alemania, Peña Atlética Indios de Caledonia, Peña Atlética Villalba, Peña Aúpa Racing, Peña Azul Madrid, Peña Bética Carnavalesca El Pato Verde, Peña Bética de Londres, Peña bética los asauras, Peña Bética El Manicomio, Peña Bética La Esquinita, Peña Bética La Periférica, Peña Bética La Pole, Peña Bética l’h Verdiblanca, Peña Bética Ludobetis, Peña betica Novena Provincia, Peña bética Sierra de San Pedro, Peña bética Triana 41010, Peña Bética Uruguados, Peña Carbayona El Fondrigo, Peña Peru Zaballa & Zamanillo, Peña Racinguista Comunidad Valenciana, Peña Racinguista Kant-Iber, Peña Racinguista Marea Verde, Peña Racinguista Ojáncanos, Peña Sevillista Colonos Coloraos, Peña sportiguista Piniella 6, Peña Sportinguista De Madrid al Cielo, Peña Sportinguista El Ferrerín, Peña Sportinguista Los Guajes, Peña Sportinguista sentimiento rojiblanco la regence, Peña Valderas, Peña Zaragocista Presentes Por El Escudo, Penya Barcelonista Lleó de Dues Cues, Penya Espanyolista de Mataró, Penya Valencianista Colla Blanc-i-negra, Pepa Betica Logroño, Pequeños Accionistas del CD Tenerife, Plataforma ADRV, PNE Online, Pomada Verdiblanca, Pompey Supporters Trust, Port Vale Supporters Club, Portsmouth Supporters’ Club (central branch), Portsmouth Supporters’ Club (Central Branch), Proud Hornets, Proud Lilywhites, Proud Seagulls, Projekt Trauer und Fußball, QPR 1st Supporters’ Trust, Qrcylens, Rabaltai, Racing Girls Strasbourg, Rainbow Blades, Rainbow Tractors, Raith Supporters Trust, RamsActive, RamsTrust, Ravenna 1913, Red and White Army Supporters’ Trust, Red Blue Angels 2012, Red Boys 96, Red Kaos 1994, Red kaos Grenoble, Red Star Fans, Red Tigers, Roazhon Celtic Kop 1991, Robins Trust, Saftkokaradn, Saikos, San Fernando casuals, San Jose 1913, Sang&Nord, Sanjose1913, Sarzana Presente, Saturday FC, Schickeria München, Schwarz-Gelbe Essener e.V., schwatzgelb.de, Scottish Football Supporters Association, Sección Mühle, Sección Völcaus, Section Kiosk 5, Section Muriel, Seguaci della Nord, Seguiment FCB, Settore Est, Sheffield Wednesday Women’s Supporters Group, Shenhua Element Crew, Siranac, Skansin, South End Core, South Leaders 2012, Spirit of Shankly, SpursAbility, Squadra 1940, STAR – Supporters’ Trust At Reading, Stichting KingZine, Stoke City Supporters Club, stup, Stuttgarter Hofboys, Sud’porters sang et or 65, Südland Arminen, Südtribüne Dortmund e.V, Sunderland AFC Branch Liaison Council, Suomen Maajoukkueen Kannattajat ry, Supporters associatie Go Ahead Eagles, Supporters Direct Scotland, Supporters Gol Sur, Supporters Mainz e.V., Supporters Pordenone & Bandoleros Pordenone, Supportersclub FC Den Bosch, Supportersclub Willem II, Supporterscollectief Nederland, Supportersvereniging Ajax, supportersvereniging De Trouwe Oss, Supportersvereniging FC Dordrecht, Supportersvereniging FC Groningen, Supportersvereniging NEC, Supportersvereniging PSV, Supportersvereniging Telstar, Supras Göteborg, Sustaina-Bees, SV Eindhoven, SV FC utrecht, SV FCVD, Sv Pro Excelsior, SV Superboeren De Graafschap, SVFCU, Swansea City Supporters’ Trust, Swindon Town Official Supporters Club, Swiss Fans’ Embassy, Synthesia 79, Szene 1916 Sandhausen, Team54, Terminus Guînes, The 1958, The Football Supporters’ Association, The Holte Trust, The Kilmarnock Supporters Society Ltd (The Killie Trust), The Mariners Trust, The North Fans, The OSC, The Scottish Football Supporters Association, The Shed End, The Well Society, Three Lions Pride, Tifozat Kuq e Zi, Tim, Torcida Verde Ultras 1984, Torreblanca Green, TotoTeam, Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust, TRA Manchester, Trade Union Blues, TramsBarmyArmy, Trans Pennine Irons, Trasferta Molesta, Tribune Nord Sochaux, Turbulens, Txirimiri Verdiblanco, Ultra Boys, Ultra Boys 90, Ultra Naciente, Ultramarines Bordeaux 1987, Ultras 1898, Ultras 1911, Ultras Auxerre 1990, Ultras Bitola, Ultras Brescia 1911, Ultras Mantova 1975, Ultras Monaco 1994, Ultras Murcia, Ultras Palazzolo 1913, Ultras Udinese 1995, Unión de Peñas Sportinguistas, Union Internacional De Peñas Del Atletico De Madrid, UnoNoveDueSeis, Unonoveduesei Firenze, Unsere Kurve e.V., Utrera Betis Fans, VAK112, Vålerenga kokos, Valladolid 1984, Vamos Bien, Vandals Malmö, Venezianestre, Veterani IncUdine, VfB Fanclub 1806 Württemberg, VfB Fanclub Kutten 1893, Viking Supporters Cooperative, Villa Bellas, Villarreal Fans, Wanderers Bremen, Waterford Blues Supporters Club, West Ham United Supporters’ Trust, White Rose Reds Independent Liverpool FC Supporters Club, Wolf 17, Wolves 1877 Trust, Women of The Lane, Wor Flags, Wrexham Supporters Trust, Wycombe Wanderers Supporters Trust, Yorkshire England Supporters, You Boys in Green, Zoep’n Boere.
Bantams Supporters Trust has been working tirelessly to help secure the long-term future of Valley Parade as the home of Bradford City AFC. On July 18th, we were proud to meet with Naz Shah MP, who welcomed us for a constructive discussion about the importance of the stadium—not just as a football ground, but as a pillar of our community, our identity, and our heritage. We shared our vision of ensuring that Valley Parade remains our permanent home, owned by people who hold the club’s best interests at heart. We're committed to exploring every avenue to achieve this, and Naz has offered her full support in helping us move forward. Naz understands what Valley Parade means to the people of Bradford, and we are grateful for her backing and her pledge to assist in keeping our club rooted where it belongs. We remain determined to secure a future for Valley Parade that safeguards it for generations to come—owned and protected by those who truly care for Bradford City AFC and its community. This is more than football. This is home. We held back on publicising our news until we spoke to the Club about it at our recent Structured Dialogue meeting on the 4 th Aug to ensure our transparency with the Club.
In attendance from the Club were, Ryan Sparks (RS) – Club CEO Representing the Trust was, Manny Dominguez (MD) – Chair Apologies were given from Paula Watson (PW), Director of Operations, Justin Bret (JB) – Trust Vice Chair, and Matthew Pickles (MP) also from the Trust. Bantams Supporters Trust met with the Club on Monday 4 th Aug. Whilst we last met in March to be consulted on Season Tickets, The last Structured Dialogue meeting with a Trust agenda we had was on the 10 th Feb 25, 6 months ago. This meeting was a much-needed catch up on developments particularly on Fan Engagement. So, without further ado lets dive into it. Fans’ surveys We had previously asked about fans’ surveys, in particularly on how supporters feel after the game and feeling valued. It was said that Club would follow up on this. Season ticket sales breakdown We had asked for a breakdown on sales figures of season tickets which have been published on the Club website, here . The headline figure is that the Club have surpassed 16K in sales, 16,026 in fact ahead of the start of the season, which is very good. At a glance at the figures, they show healthy increases; 8,133 adults, 2,146 65+ senior citizens and 1,047 young people (17 -23) are all up. What is pleasing is the amount of youngsters / children and families attending – it was certainly noticeable at the first game of the season against Wycombe. And 13,089 renewed from last season, which is almost all. That said, it says that 7,192 took advantage of the Direct Debit scheme during the sale prices (Early Bird offer), an increase of 11% on last year, but it is not clear on what the total take up on the Early Bird offer was overall, that includes those that paid in the traditional way of paying all at once. Seeing it from another angle, how many of the 13k+ renewals from last season took advantage of the early bird offer? In hindsight, it would’ve been better if we could see the figures compared with figures from last season based on percentages. Perhaps these can be available at the next meeting. Also, and in addition, it would be good to see figures that show increases or decreases in numbers based on diversity with percentage comparisons from last year at a future meeting too. Away matchday ticket sales and away capacity limitations We noted that there will be a greater demand for way tickets this season. This was agreed but it was said that there will be many grounds that have significant increases in their away capacities compared with last season (in League Two). It was asked about capacity reduction, with the prime example of Doncaster Rovers last season in mind, as there was a lot of disquiet about the fact that on previous occasions they had given much us a much bigger availability of tickets. We had one unhappy member taking it upon himself to complain to City and the EFL about it. He referred to a regulation (35.7), which states that, “Each Club must make provision for at least 2,000 visiting supporters at every home match or such number as represents 10% of the Club’s certified capacity, if less than 2,000” It’s clear that this rule is used especially in high-stakes matches to give unequal competitive parity to visiting teams. FSA advice was that the rule has been used in this way on many occasions although the host club can give any other reason to justify it, such as safety. Any amendments to EFL regulations would need to be put forward by, and/or voted on by the League’s member clubs themselves. Clubs are permitted to recommend a rule change at any time, and as such would ultimately be required to vote on any implementation. But it is unlikely any Club would do this. RS’s advice was that our member may have got a better response from the EFL if the tone of his letters would’ve been more diplomatic or been left to the club to discussions that had already been ongoing. On the plus side, the Club did it’s best in inviting supporters to watch it on the big screen in the suites. Ticket re-sales It was picked up that the ticketing website has a section on re-sales, and it was said that this is something for the future as we are not yet selling out games. A lot of other Clubs further up the pyramid have this facility whereby tickets can be bought from supporters who are not able to go and then resold to fans that want to attend. Supporter Liaison Officer(s) /Resources for Fan Engagement team RS said that a new person will be starting from September as the club’s full-time fan engagement lead, and that from there it is hoped that the Club can grow a volunteer staff team. Improving our structured dialogue / Fan Engagement MD raised the importance of the Fan Engagement Plan (FEP) and that there were some amendments to it from the Trust that were agreed at the previous meetings that were not yet on there. See here . There was a concern from MD that area of fan engagement could be much better. RS reassured that he’d make sure he would look into it and ensure the amendments would be in place before we meet again and suggested that we propose all 4 dates for the year. It was down to the fact that the Club needed staff to cover this area but hopefully things will improve from September onwards. Supporters Board As part of Fan Engagement MD raised the fact that the based on the FSA’s preferred model, Supporters Boards should represent the widest number of supporter to be fully representable and that Supporters Trust’s should be key to that, however the SB constitution / Terms of Reference had changed some years ago whereby it has its own identity and that the chair of the SB and ST can meet outside its framework. RS’s advice was to talk to the SB Chair, Tony Bates (TB). Other meetings the Trust would like to attend as part of a consultation process All these areas were are covered under the Director of Operations, Paula Watson (PW). As environmentally sustainable football was one of those areas, RS reported that the Club had recently won silver in the EFL Green Club Scheme. Since this meeting, the Trust have successfully been able to schedule meeting with PW and others on poor fan behaviour / restorative Justice. Football Governance Bill The Bill finally became law on the 21 st of July. The Bill’s legislation will be overseen by an independent Regulatory body, Chaired by David Kogan (OBE), who has had a 45-year career in media and sports, has extensive experience in negotiating TV rights deals for major football bodies like the Premier League and EFL. The FSA had lobbied for this type of governance reform for many, many years. In 2021 it sat on the Fan-led Review of Football Governance and submitted 300+ pages of evidence and ensured 130+ of its’ member-organisations were involved too. There is a short version of what it covers and a longer one from the FSA. RS felt it was yet to be fully clear what power/s the bill realistically has around the finances of the game and wealth distribution would be centered around bridging the gap between the Championship and the Premier League. He is hoping to meet David Kogan at some point within the next 6 months and was very impressed with his initial introduction at a recent EFL meeting in London. EFL Sky Deal Asked how much the Club will benefit from now being in League One this season, it was said to be over, an additional £400,000. In May 2023 the 72 Clubs in the EFL agreed to a 5-year deal worth £935m that began last season. Both League One and Two Clubs have a minimum of 248 televised matches per season. See more detail here . We discussed the timetable of the schedule of the notice: Initially notice is given as soon as the fixtures come out until the 10 th January 2026, and then notice is given from the beginning of the year with notice more televised matches increasing as we move towards the end of the season. RS believes they are much better than in previous TV deals. They are the games’ biggest sponsor, he said. The FSA’s recommendation for giving notice for rescheduling is 12 weeks , and Sky’s is a minimum of 4 weeks . In some instances, Sky is breaking their own commitment of notice. The reason the FSA’s recommendation is a much longer period is to take into consideration travel and hotel bookings when fans plan for away trips. Maintenance Costs The Club said that maintenance costs are an on-going challenge. Although the stadium is modern, it is still over 20 years old, in its newest areas, and as a result needs on-going maintenance to the building. Ownership The Club said that the rental cost is more than £500K, though there is sponsorship income from Flamingo Land. We discussed a hypothetical idea of fans raising part of the funds needed for the Club to own the stadium it outright. It was thought not to be viable. Finances The biggest cost incurred is repairs and maintenance costs of the ground. Close to £200,000 has been spent on reseating the Kop over the summer. It will be the Midland Road next year, if financially possible. Those seats are in a better condition as they are shielded from the sunlight, which is why they are last to do. Also work on upgrading the McCall and Hendrie suites is also planned. The ground rental, still of approx. £500,000 is less impactful the higher up the league divisions we go, as it doesn’t increase against divisional status. Ownership MD asked, since Stefan Rupp attended the recent fans forum in June, would he be able to attend the occasional Trust or Supporters Board meeting. It was said that he comes mainly for the weekend to attend the match and then flies back home but will ask when he’s here next. Stadium Trust colleagues MD and MP attended a meeting with Naz Shah to discuss whether the local authority had a covenant on the stadium – an agreement within property deeds – in this case the stadium that dictate permitted uses and restrictions – to ensure its use is solely for football / watching sport. It was explained that we had discussed with Andy Walsh (AW), a full-time officer working on a temporary basis for the FSA at the time, specialising in stadiums being an asset of Community value and fan ownership, and advised us to investigate this route for the purpose of further protection of the land in addition to the ACV, and with the aim of receiving support. AW also sits on the board of AFC Wimbledon Supporters Trust The experience we had with the local authority was like getting blood out of a stone but Naz Shah had responded very positively. MD said that we wanted to hang fire with publishing our story until we spoke to the Club about it. RS said the Trust may do as it sees fit, but the club will not directly engage.
If anyone wasn’t able to be at the last game of the season at home against Fleetwood on May 3 rd 2025, they will know they missed probably one of the best endings of a match at Valley Parade in it’s history. Looking back ahead of that game, City had looked wobbly in terms of achieving results. Their last win was 2- nil against Crewe at home a month earlier (Sat 5 th April), and lost their following match away at Swindon, and then drawing the next 2 – one at home to Notts County (1-1) in front of the Sky TV crew on a Thursday evening and then away against the Spirites (3-3) before losing to Donny Rovers 2-1 at theirs. So, City had it all to do on their penultimate match and overcome Walsall at least on goal difference who had thrown away their lead in the table since we had beat them convincingly by 3 goals to nil back in January. The pressure was on then because we had to win. For the most part of this game, it was poor, and City played cautiously. It looked like for most City fans we were going to get in the play offs, especially when news came through that Walsall were winning away at Crewe on the hour. At the same time there was a massive urgency from the crowd to encourage a goal. It was only in injury time when the real drama took place. Antoni Sarcevic's shot on the turn went over! And then minutes later George Lapslie with the shot that got deflected in by Sarcevic, the winning goal which brought unbridled joy to Valley Parade in front of a record 24,033, with 420 from Fleetwood for the 25,000 capacity stadium built 25 years ago. The goal brought on a pitch invasion, but once the pitch was eventually cleared to play the remainder of the injury time, it was invaded again! It was almost unbelievable. Incredible scenes of jubilation at Valley Parade. All the frustration from years of lack of success, transformed itself into its’ opposite in an instant. We achieved automatic promotion, and to achieve it in that way, the Bradford City way, and then the celebrations on North Parade, the open top bus on the Tuesday evening was just something else. The result on the day was also the greatest gift to those we remember, our friends and family who never returned home 40 years on after the fire. Playing in League One So now we are in League One, both Club and supporters alike are looking forward to some mouthwatering fixtures. We certainly have more Yorkshire derbies to play. Donny Rovers, who came through with us as League Two Champions, Rotherham and Barnsley are our 3 south Yorkshire rivals, but we know have our West Yorkshire rivals, the ‘dog botherers’, Huddersfield Town to look forward to playing again. It will be interesting to see how former Premier League achievers Luton Town will fair this season, and going to Kennilworth Road will be a popular aim for many. And we have some fairly long distance travel to also, Plymouth, Exeter and Cardiff (another former Premier League team), and we have some Lancashire derbies too, Bolton, Wigan and Blackpool. We do face the return of playing Lincoln City too. The last time we were in the same league was League Two in 2010/11. Whilst the prospect of reacquainting ourselves with some of our rivals is exciting, there will certainly be some disappointments with getting to away games, because as we are now in a higher division, there will be greater demand from our fan-base to get tickets for getting to the away fixtures, and whilst we will see greater availability at some of the bigger grounds especially, it is inevitable some of these matches will be moved at police request or indeed for TV with a month’s notice or in some cases perhaps less. We will certainly keep a look out for that, and also not having enough loyalty points or ‘City Points’ will be a key frustration for many, and for some it will be rising costs of getting a ticket, especially from the bigger clubs in our league. These factors will bring supporters back to the reality of how costs and constant moving of fixtures dominate the modern game and with it, alienate supporters. How well will we fare in League One? The prospect of rising demand for away tickets, largely depends on how well we do on the pitch – picking up points from scoring goals in this results based industry. In terms of players who have departed then, it is a shame that, Richie Smallwood, Romoney Crichlow, Jamie Walker and Vadaine Oliver had to go. There was a lot of experience and team effort from these key players last season. In terms of who we have coming in this summer on free transfers, we have Stephen Humphrys (27-year-old center-forward from Barnsley), Josh Neufville (24-year-old right midfielder from AFC Wimbledon), Joe Wright (30-year-old center-back from Kilmarnock FC), and Matthew Pennington (30-year-old centre-back from Blackpool). They join Max Power, 31 from Danish Superliga side AGF, signing on a 2 year deal in May and, he joined Will Swan, 24 year old forward signed for an undisclosed fee from Crawley Town in June for two years. And just last week, we signed Everton’s Jenson Metcalfe, 20, on a 3-year permanent contract for an undisclosed fee. It’s always difficult to predict how Bradford City will do. No one predicted automatic promotion to League One before the start of last season, especially in the way it actually played out. The reality on the ground, we can say it will be tough in a new, higher division. We can hopefully, safely say that Graham Alexander will build a side based on the senior regulars and some of the new blood that has come in from May up to present. Jensen Metcalfe sounds promising playing alongside Andy Cooke and Bobby Pointon and Callum Kavanagh. There will be a lot of competition for places. If there is confidence in our squad against our opponents and we can regularly find the net as well as being able to prevent opposition forwards score goals consistently we’ll be doing something right. If we can consolidate our position in League One finishing the season strongly that would be amazing. But predicting how well we will do is a bit like prediction the British weather. Most supporters will be pleased with finishing strongly. There are probably over 16,000 season ticket holders at this point in time, and so if Graham Alexander and his coaching staff can create a real buzz in the team, we could see more attendance records being broken and away tickets snapped up quickly, but we shall see how this coming season will develop. Newer fans and certainly younger fans will have greater expectations than simply consolidation. Older fans know what to expect. We are sure there will be many twists and turns as the drama plays out. There will be injuries, and periods of peaks and troughs. It is always a roller-coaster ride, with fans divided on particular players and complete popularity on others as we dissect the game over a season. Another chapter that is unwritten as yet for 2025/26.
On the 23 rd May the Club announced the total amount raised from the bucket collection before the last game of the season on the 3 rd May. Supporters donated an amazing £7,387.70 during the matchday bucket collection – almost double last year’s total – where volunteers gave up their time to help raise funds around Valley Parade ahead of the game against Fleetwood . Those volunteers were you, who did an absolutely fantastic job! There were approximately 15 or so volunteers, mostly Trust members, but also from the Disability Club and Shipley Bantams. It is something that has been traditionally been done every year since the fateful tragedy and should be continued as a way of paying our respects to those who we should always remember. A phenomenal £18,580.74 has been raised for the Plastic Surgery and Burns Research Unit (PSBRU) since our game against Fleetwood Town. For more of a breakdown of what was raised when, please see the Club article here. The Trust would like to give a special thank you to all involved in the collection .
There will be a Fans Forum at the Club on Wednesday 11 th June, where fans can ask questions to Chairman, Stefan Rupp, CEO, Ryan Sparks, First Team Manager, Graham Alexander, Head of Recruitment, Stephan Gent and Head of Football Operations, David Sharpe. The event is free but there is limited capacity of 450, and tickets will be available on a first come first served basis to fans that already have next seasons’ season tickets. It will be in the McCall and Hendrie suites, starting at 7pm. For more details and tickets here . Book early to avoid disappointment.
Bantams Supporters Trust have been supporting a community project led by Chris Gaffney, a professor of Archaeological Science at the University of Bradford, with his team at the University of Bradford, by promoting a survey , City supporters have been asked to fill in that asks you about your best memories of being a City fan when you have been at Valley Parade. Your stories will come to life by local artists and shown through the University's immersive technology at an event at City on Sunday 22 nd June, from 10am till 2pm. “Using their technology and your stories, they will be making the unimaginable imaginable. Enter the immersive igloo, explore the digital copy of the University of Bradford Stadium and watch as supporters’ stories are brought to life by artists from across the city.” The survey is still live so if you haven’t taken part yet, now is your chance. Find out more about the day’s event and to register here .
Were you at Valley Parade on the 3 rd May 2025 to witness incredible scenes of joy as Bradford City clinched automatic promotion in the 96 th minute? Was this your best and most memorable experience ever? We, as Bradford City fans are being asked to participate in telling our stories of being at Valley Parade by answering online survey questions about your experiences of Supporting City at Valley Parade. You can choose which questions you want to answer and your stories / memories can be told anonymously. The questions include sharing memories of their first Bantams match, most memorable game, how they started supporting the club, family members’ memories of following the Bantams, where they sit at the University of Bradford Stadium and what it means to be a Bradford City supporter. The stories will be shared with artists who will turn them into different art forms e.g. paintings, film, poetry. The different artists interpretations of the stories will be embedded into a digital copy of the stadium that Chris Gaffney, (Professor of Archaeological Science at the University of Bradford) and his team are creating, and people will be able to explore using VR. There is an intention to embed the stories in the physical stadium that people will be able to access using a QR code when attending matches. They will be revealed during the Bradford 2025 City of Culture celebrations. The stories may also feature in a book being written to tell people about the different innovations that have been created by the Plastic Surgery and Burns Research Unit as a result of fans donations. Any profits from the book will be go towards the future research of the Plastic Surgery and Burns Research Unit. For further reading please go to the University of Bradford’s press release about the project.
A new exhibition looking at fanzine culture in English football from the British Library and the Leeds Library service opened just recently on Friday 9 th May and runs until Sunday 10th August. The “Voice of the Fans” exhibition examines the world of long-standing – and some FSA award-winning – fanzines such our own City Gent, the Square Ball ran by supporters east of Pudsey, national indie title When Saturday Comes, and much more. Charting the rise of “fan self-publishing” from the 1960s into today’s digital-era, Voice of the Fans explores more than 60 years of fan-made media, with highlights from the collections of the British Library and Leeds Libraries – a period that has defined the beautiful game. Born out of the DIY ethos of the music and punk scenes, the raw creativity of football zines remains inspiring and relevant in today’s global game. The exhibition showcases fan-driven creativity from the UK and Ireland, and features some of the longest running and most influential football zines, alongside stories of well-known names who started their careers writing for these grassroots publications. 14 th June Show Our very own City Gent Editor, Mike Harrison will be among other writers and editors including Daniel Chapman of Leedsista and formerly The Square Ball, Felicia Pennant from SEASON Zine and Zoë Hitchen from Girlfans who will be discussing fan-driven publishing in the present moment, including its role in the wider media landscape, what it offers audiences, why it’s important and how it has endured despite changes in the globalised game. The discussion will be chaired by Ffion Thomas, Deputy Editor of When Saturday Comes and co-editor of Along Come Norwich zine. See more about this event here . This is part of the ‘Voice of the Fans’ Exhibition. The exhibition is free to all members of the public and there is no need to book in advance. “Voice of the Fans” will run at Leeds Central Library, Municipal Buildings, Calverley Street Leeds, LS1 3AB.
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 40th anniversary of the Valley Parade Fire Disaster.
