THE Premier League trophy paid a special visit to Bradford as part of a 30th anniversary tour that coincided with an accolade being given to a man for his community work.
Humayun Islam has been named as Bradford City Community Captain in recognition of his work in the district. This was particularly for his association with the Bangla Bantams supporters’ group.
The Community Captain accolade is being given to more than 100 members of the public who have made an outstanding contribution to their club and local community, as part of the Premier League’s 30th anniversary celebrations.
The Premier League trophy paid a visit to the £1.3 million Midland Road Sports Complex, located next door to City’s Valley Parade home, with residents young and old given the chance to have their picture taken next to the prized piece of football silverware.
Presentations to the captains form part of the Premier League Trophy Tour, which is visiting more than 50 professional, non-league and women’s clubs across England and Wales who receive funding from the Premier League.
The Bantams themselves spent two years competing in the Premier League from August 1999 until they were relegated at the end of their second season in May 2001. They had avoided relegation during their first top-flight term following a 1-0 victory over Liverpool in May 2000.
Mr Islam says he was humbled to receive the Community Champion honour. He said: “It’s unbelievable. It’s really humbling, to be honest.
“To have the Premier League trophy here is surreal.
“The pitch here a year ago attracted anti-social behaviour, drug use and graffiti all over and now it has been so transformed that the Premier League trophy is here. Nobody would have believed it a year ago.
“Having the trophy is like having the Queen here. The Premier League trophy is second only to the World Cup.
“Hopefully for me it’s about inspiring others and inspiring the next generation.”
Monika Stube, Bradford City Women’s midfielder, also enjoyed seeing the top-flight trophy at the event.
She said: “It’s amazing. I have never seen it in real life.
“For the kids in this community to see it is really inspirational and that there is Valley Parade just behind it.”
Ian Ormondroyd, Bradford City Community Foundation chief executive, who played in the Premier League for Leicester City during the 1994-95 season, said: “Humayun becoming the community champion is great.
“It is good for the community to have something like that here.”
Have you got a story for us? Email newsdesk@telegraphandargus.co.uk or contact us here or WhatsApp us on 07720403052.
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up with all the latest news.
Sign up to our newsletter to get updates sent straight to your inbox.
You can also call us on 01274 705292.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here