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University congratulates Bradford City AFC on promotion

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Bradford City AFC have delivered a ‘feel-good factor’ to the whole district following their promotion, according to University of Bradford Vice-Chancellor, Professor Shirley Congdon.

A large crowd of people sat in the stand at a football match with some waving flags

The club, nicknamed the Bantams, secured automatic promotion to Sky Bet League One following a dramatic 1-0 win over Fleetwood Town on Saturday 3 May at the University of Bradford Stadium. Antoni Sarcevic grabbed a 96th-minute winner in front of a crowd of 24,033 to start the Bantams' celebrations. 

The victory means Bradford City AFC sealed the third and final automatic promotion spot in Sky Bet League Two in the club’s final match of the season. 

A view of a large crowd at a football match with people celebrating on the pitch

Poignant day 

It was a poignant fixture for the club as it held its annual tribute on the pitch before kick-off to commemorate the 56 people who lost their lives in the Bradford City fire on May 11, 1985.

Collections were held around the ground at the Fleetwood match to raise funds for the Plastic Surgery and Burns Research Unit (PSBRU), which is based at the University of Bradford. 

Two people one wearing a white jacket and the other a black jacket pose next to each other for a photograph

‘Thriving partnership’

The University of Bradford signed a four-year sponsorship deal with Bradford City AFC in 2022. This includes the University’s logo appearing on the back of the team’s home, away and alternative kits and Valley Parade being re-named as the University of Bradford Stadium.

Professor Congdon said: “Congratulations to everyone associated with Bradford City AFC on their promotion to Sky Bet League One. It is such a fantastic achievement. 

“Success for the football club also offers a feel-good factor to the city and district as a whole and is especially timely with the celebrations for Bradford 2025 now in full swing.

“We are immensely proud of our thriving partnership with Bradford City AFC.

“We hope everyone enjoys the celebrations following the promotion and wish Graham Alexander’s side the best of luck for next season.”

A person with their back to the camera while watching a football match

Stories from Valley Parade 

The University will further show its support for the club with the launch of a project this summer. 

The University of Bradford Stadium will host the launch of ‘Stories from Valley Parade’ on Sunday 22 June between 10:00 and 14:00. Academics have created a digital copy of the University of Bradford Stadium, traditionally known as Valley Parade, which people can explore through VR.

The fans’ stories and stories from memorable players including Iffy Onuora and former Sky Sports presenter Nick Powell will be attached to different places in both a physical and digital copy of the stadium for people to view.