30th Anniversary Of Valley Parade Memorial Tournament

Thursday, 24 March 2016 15:46

This year's Valley Parade football tournament, in memory of the fire that claimed 56 lives, is being held on Easter Bank Holiday weekend for the 30th time.

The tournament organised by Bradford Council has run every year since 1986 - one year after the fire tragedy on May 11, 1985.

The games will be played at the Council's Marley Activities and Coaching Centre in Keighley on Saturday, 26 March and Sunday, 27 March, with youngsters from local junior clubs across the Bradford district taking on teams from Bradford City, Lincoln City and an international team from Germany.

The medals are sponsored by the Prison Officers' Association who ensure that every participant takes home a medal regardless of where they finish in the tournament.

The competition has seen over 10,500 participants taking part, and arguably the most famous of these are Tom Cleverley (Everton) and Mike Hanke (Borussia Monchengladbach) who both went on to represent their countries at international level.

The memorial tournament was created by former Bradford Council chief recreation officer Howell Williams.

The organisation was taken over by Carl Dalton, Principal Officer of Bradford Council’s Community Play and Activities Development service, in 2000. Carl a lifelong Bradford City fan, who was in the main stand on the day, has been instrumental in this ‘friendship through football event’, which is growing each year.

Carl said: "The tournament helps preserve the memory of those who died, provides us with an opportunity to reflect on what happened that day, and also lets us celebrate our future footballers."

Coun Imran Khan, Bradford Council's Executive Member for Environment, Sport and Sustainability, said: "This is about friendship through football. The philosophy is about taking part and playing the game in the right spirit; having respect for your opponents and the referees."

POA national chairman, Peter McParlin, said: "Whilst the tournament was born out of a tragedy that will always be remembered, it also give us a chance to look forward and see young footballers enjoying themselves. It shows how sport can unite people and build lasting friendships, despite the great distances in some cases."

More from Local and National News

Bradford Expands ‘New York’ Style Housing First Approach to Tackle Homelessness

Bradford Council is expanding its successful Housing First programme — inspired by New York and proven in Finland — to offer ten more places, helping more people with complex needs move from homelessness into stable, supported housing.
Kensington Palace Marks 150th Birthday of Punjabi Princess and Suffragette Sophia Duleep Singh

A major new exhibition, The Last Princesses of Punjab, will open at Kensington Palace on 26 March 2026 to celebrate the 150th birthday of Princess Sophia Duleep Singh — the trailblazing Punjabi royal and suffragette — exploring the lives of the remarkable women who shaped her story.
SENDIVERSE Festival Unites Bradford Through Creativity and Inclusion

A celebration of creativity and belonging, The Leap’s SENDIVERSE Festival brought together over 1,700 people across Bradford for a series of inclusive arts and cultural events designed with and for young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
Appeal After Man Seriously Injured in Burnley Collision

Police are appealing for information after a man in his 20s was seriously injured in a crash on Crown Point Road, Burnley.
Bradford Police Seize 93 Weapons as Knife Crime Falls

A weapons amnesty in Bradford led to 93 knives and weapons being taken off the streets, contributing to a major drop in youth knife crime.
Multibillion Economic Vision for Leeds to Create 100,000 Jobs

Leeds has unveiled a £20 billion economic plan aiming to create 100,000 new jobs and boost key sectors including finance, tech, and health.
Building at Bradford Royal Infirmary Renamed in Honour of Renowned Surgeon

Bradford Royal Infirmary has renamed the Listening for Life Centre after pioneering ear surgeon Professor Chris Raine MBE, who has restored hearing for hundreds across the North of England.
Airedale Nurse Shortlisted for National Neonatal Award

Airedale NHS Foundation Trust nurse Chloe Taylor has been named a finalist for Neonatal Nurse of the Year, recognising her work supporting families through trauma-informed care.
Sowerby Bridge’s New Community Hub Opens to Praise

A new town square has opened in Sowerby Bridge, transforming the former market site into a welcoming space for events, markets and community life.
Bradford Council Offers Compromise on Ilkley Parking Plans

Following strong opposition to proposed parking changes in Ilkley, Bradford Council has put forward a revised plan that keeps a free one-hour option in parts of the town.
Police and Council Step Up Action on Anti-Social Behaviour

West Yorkshire Police and Wakefield Council are intensifying efforts to crack down on crime and anti-social behaviour through a joint taskforce and new enforcement measures.
Manningham Housing Association Shortlisted for Three National Awards

Bradford-based Manningham Housing Association has been named a finalist in three categories at the Housing Executive Awards, including Housing Association of the Year.

Listener Club

Get more with the Listener Club!

The Golden Era

The golden era of Bollywood celebrated in this weekly show full of classics taking you back in time. Every Sunday between 5pm - 7pm
Alim OnAir

Have you a question about the religious, cultural or tradition aspect of Islam? Then join Hazrat Maulana Fazal Dad in the weekly show every Friday between 8-9pm.
Legal Show

Once a fortnight we dedicate a show to discussing legal issues and family / matrimonial law in particular. Alternate Friday mornings between 9am-11pm.
Bhangra Nights

Get over the Weekday blues - Every Tuesday night is party night with the best Bhangra and Urban Asian Beats. The Bhangra Show every Tuesday between 8pm-11pm