The Bradford (Park Avenue) Sports Foundation proudly hosted a powerful and uplifting Interfaith Celebration at the Horsfall Community Stadium today, bringing together people of all faiths, backgrounds, and communities to mark both Eid and Easter through a shared message of unity, education, and belonging.
At the heart of the event was Bradford (Park Avenue)’s expanding Football Education Programme, which empowers young people through sport and study, providing them with the tools to grow, connect, and succeed. This celebration, themed “Exploring the Richness of Different Faiths,” highlighted how football can be a bridge between cultures and a platform for lasting community cohesion.
The event opened with a welcome from Mat Everett, Community Director of the Bradford (Park Avenue) Sports Foundation, who set the tone for an afternoon built on togetherness and open dialogue. He was followed by reflections from Emma Miller, a long-standing friend of the club, and Anne Seneviratne, the club’s Education Consultant, both of whom spoke passionately about the progress and potential of BPA’s students.
Guest speakers offered a wide range of perspectives. Emon Choudhury, Pride of Britain winner and BBC’s Race Across the World 2020 champion, delivered an inspirational keynote speech focused on the importance of unity and ambition. Vicar Foluso Enwerem, of St Aidan’s Buttershaw and St Michael’s Shelf Churches, offered a moving spiritual reflection on togetherness and faith.
The programme also featured powerful words from Dr Ikram Butt, former England Rugby League international, Salem Kader, Managing Director of Bombay Stores Group and Co-Founder of Positive Bradford, Clive Michallat of Action for Sport, and Humayun Islam of Muslim Friendly Employers—each contributing to a shared narrative of hope, opportunity, and mutual respect.
The event closed with an address from Deputy Lord-Lieutenant Paul Lawrence, representing His Majesty the King, who commended the Foundation’s efforts to use football as a force for good across Bradford.
The Foundation extends a special thank you to Emon Choudhury, whose generous sponsorship of the event and the food helped make the day possible. Guests also enjoyed a fantastic spread provided in partnership with Shahida’s Café, which added to the warm and inclusive atmosphere.
Following the event, guests shared their reflections:
Thomas McStravick, Sporting Director at Bradford (Park Avenue), said: “Absolutely brilliant. Great to see so many people here from different backgrounds and faiths. While we might have different beliefs in terms of our faith, we can all come together as humans—and that we’re on the same page.”
Pete Kenyon, Commercial Director, added: “It was nice to bring different cultures together. We had some good speakers and hopefully our students took it all on board.”
Vicar Foluso said: “It’s been a really joyful and inspiring event. Great to see loads of people here from different backgrounds and heritages, all brought together by football. It’s been really encouraging.”
Emon Choudhury commented: “It was amazing—such a groundbreaking event to be a part of. Great to get so many cultures and religions together in one space. Having that community cohesion is instrumental.”
Humayun Islam added: “It was a great event—it was all about unity. Huge thank you to Mat at BPA for putting this on and bringing all these people together.”
Guests also enjoyed a fantastic spread provided by Shahida’s Café, which added to the warm and inclusive atmosphere on the day.
The event stands as a powerful reminder that the Bradford (Park Avenue) Sports Foundation, and the club as a whole, is committed to being far more than just a football team—championing diversity, education, and opportunity for all.
Want to get involved?
📧 Community & Events: Mathew.Everett@bpafc.com
📧 Football Education Programme: John.Sanderson@bpafc.com
📝 Sign up for trials on 1st May here: https://forms.gle/JQDRYCDbHVEHcaS79