Bradford Grammar School to launch first Junior Committee for Action for Sport

Bradford Grammar School (BGS) is set to become the first school to establish a Junior Committee for Action for Sport, a Bradford-based charity that provides underprivileged children with sports clothing and footwear to encourage physical activity and participation in sport.

Spearheading this initiative is BGS’s Head of Year 7, Emma Tomlinson, who was recently appointed as a Brand Ambassador for the charity.

Emma’s leadership and the formation of the new Junior Committee represent a deepened commitment from the school to support Action for Sport’s mission, with a focus on extending the charity’s reach and impact in the local community.

Emma said: “Action for Sport aligns perfectly with the values we uphold at Bradford Grammar School – empathy, social responsibility and giving back.

“This partnership isn’t just about donating kit; it’s about our students understanding the value of equity in sport and how accessible resources can change lives. Through their involvement, they’re not just learning about charity but also gaining awareness about environmental sustainability and how even small actions can have a huge impact on people’s lives.”

Since its inception, Action for Sport has provided over 10,700 kits and pairs of footwear to children and young people in need.

BGS first joined forces with Action for Sport in 2020, at the height of the pandemic, when Emma began organising collections of preloved, clean sports kit, including trainers and football boots. While the Year 7 Christmas bake sale and the sponsored walk to Ilkley were already part of the school’s annual traditions, funds raised from these events are now dedicated to supporting Action for Sport’s expanding initiatives.

The in-school Junior Committee, due to be in place by Christmas, will give students the opportunity to lead fundraising and awareness efforts, and to get involved in collecting, sorting and distributing donated kit.

Emma explained: “The formation of this committee underscores our school’s commitment to Action for Sport, whose reach now extends to organisations supporting vulnerable people across Yorkshire, from women’s refuges to disability teams and pupil referral units. We’re proud to play a role in a charity that’s creating such meaningful change.”

The collaboration with BGS has been transformative for Action for Sport. Charity co-founder Clive Michallat said: “Emma and the school have backed us all the way, and they are a massive part of how we’ve grown and how many children’s and young adults’ lives we’ve collectively helped to change in some small way.”

Emma is already planning ways to further BGS’s involvement. Among her ideas is the installation of permanent donation bins in school, allowing students to contribute sportswear throughout the year. Additionally, she hopes to involve older students by integrating volunteer work with the Duke of Edinburgh Award program.

“This work helps us stay grounded,” said Emma. “Our students learn that not everyone has the same resources, even within our own community. Supporting Action for Sport gives them a way to make a real difference and reminds all of us that giving back is one of the most powerful ways to grow.”