Bradford City has been awarded a grant of £50,000 for a project which aims to conserve the memories of people who live or have lived around Valley Parade.

The Bantams Community Programme was given £49,400 from the Heritage Lottery Fund to explore the sporting heritage of the city.

The money will go towards an 18 month oral history project called Bantamspast Memories, which aims to conserve the memories of people who live, or have lived, close to the ground and explore the impact it has had on the community over the past 50 years.

Ian Ormondroyd, community manager at the Bradford City FC Community Foundation, said the project was to try to discover the memories of fans and the communities who live around the ground.

He said: “You need a professional club in a city the size of Bradford. Fans look forward to going to the match on a Saturday and it gives the city an identity.”

Former Bradford City and Aston Villa star Ormondroyd said football clubs were an important focus for cities and towns.

He said: “Obviously a lot of the people who live around the ground are Asian, so we are also trying to find out from them what it means.

“Some of it might not be totally nice, but it is something we will have to try and find out.”

The project hopes to create opportunities for about 500 people, from fans to former players, to volunteer, carry out oral history interviews, make radio broadcasts, hold events, help design an exhibition and give guided tours.

Paula Helliwell, of the Bantams Community Programme, said: “We know that there are many stories and memories just waiting to be told.

“We are very excited to be able to discover these and create the exhibition which will then preserve them for all communities to share.

“We are delighted that the Heritage Lottery Fund has chosen to fund the Bantams Memories project and are grateful for all their support.”

The HLF has also awarded a grant of £50,000 to the Rotherham United Community Sports Trust and £37,200 to the Doncaster Rugby League Heritage Project.

Fiona Spiers, head of the HLF for Yorkshire, said: “Much has changed in the world of football since the 1940s and we look forward to the results of these exciting history projects which will bring the legacy of these famous clubs, their players and supporters, and their role and impact on the communities around them to life.”

The Bantamspast Museum will hold the launch of the event on Wednesday, September 16, at 10am.

To book, or for more information, contact (01274) 706850 or e-mail bradfordcityfitc@aol.com.