A MAN appeared on national television during coverage of a Bradford City match to showcase community work taking place in the district.

Humayun Islam, BEAP chief executive, was a guest on Sky Sports’ pre-match coverage of Bradford City’s 2-1 win over Hull City in the Carabao Cup first round last night.

He was interviewed by presenter Mark Chapman and pundits, Michael Dawson and former Bradford City striker Dean Windass.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Humayun Islam, BEAP chief executive, during his live interview on Sky Sports at Valley ParadeHumayun Islam, BEAP chief executive, during his live interview on Sky Sports at Valley Parade

Mr Islam spoke about a host of work taking place in the Bradford district during the TV interview. As chairman of the Bangla Bantams, a Bradford City supporters’ group, he showcased their work.

He also discussed his work on an area next to the home of Bradford City which attracted anti-social behaviour, but has been transformed into a £1.3 million sports complex.

 

The Midland Road Sports Complex, attached to the existing BEAP Community Partnership building on Cornwall Road, Manningham, features a host of new facilities.

The new site has two changing rooms, a pavilion, cafe and three 5G football pitches - two for children’s four-a-side and a larger seven-a-side pitch for adults.

 

Mr Islam said: “It was an amazing opportunity to be there and talking about the Bangla Bantams and the new site.

“It was brilliant to have the opportunity and very surreal. It was a really good conversation. I felt like a pundit, like Jamie Carragher or Gary Neville.

“It was one of the biggest highlights of my life.

“It was a great opportunity to talk about the real difference we can make to the development of the community.

“The biggest thing about it is inspiring others. It also helped show Bradford in a positive light.

It gave us a chance to show what we are doing as a Bradford district and what we are about

“We can be trailblazers and show the wider community what we’re doing.

“Sometimes up north gets missed. It helps to showcase the work in the community.”

During the discussion with the pundits, Mr Islam also highlighted the work taking place in the Bradford district on South Asian talent identification.

Boys from South Asian backgrounds in the district will be the chance to start their journey to potentially play for Bradford City with a trial held on the doorstep of the club’s stadium on August 18.

Bradford City Academy is holding an open trial for players who live within the Bradford district and are of South Asian ethnicity on the astroturf pitches at the new Midland Road Sports Complex.