Old Boys giving back through new sports scholarship
A group of former University of Bradford students have teamed up to launch a new sports scholarship.
The Team Bradford Spirit of Sport Scholarship, which starts during the 2025/26 academic year, will give five University of Bradford students £1,500 per year towards their living costs.
The scholarship has been funded by the Football Club Old Boys, a 150-strong group of University of Bradford alumni united by their love of sport who have met up annually for almost 50 years.
Ian Robertson, 56, who studied BEng Electronic Communication and Computer Engineering at Bradford between 1986 and 1990 and now lives in New York, said: “It’s fantastic. We want to leave a legacy and give back to the community.
“It’s a different University than the one we went to in terms of scale, there are more students here now. It’s good to help out. Coming to this University has stood us in good stead.”
The tackles fly in during the Old Boys’ reunion match played at the University of Bradford – Images credit: KM Images Ltd
More on the scholarship
The Football Club Old Boys founded the scholarship to empower future generations of students to succeed and experience the lifelong benefits of playing sport and making friendships.
The scholarship was launched on Friday 7 March with a football match on campus between Old Boys members.
Kevin O’Donnell, 69, who studied BTech Industrial Technology and Management at Bradford between 1975 and 1979, said: “We want people to have the same opportunity that we had.
“I had a fantastic time at Bradford. I found my tribe in the football team.
“The scholarship is also a way to remember the players who are no longer with us.”
Action from the football match held to launch the Team Bradford Spirit of Sport Scholarship – Images credit: KM Images Ltd
Who can apply
Scholarship applicants must play a sport offered by the University Union, either as a team or individual sport, and includes disability sport.
They must have experience of competing in their chosen sport, with outstanding candidates able to show they have played at regional or national level.
The scholarship will support students committed to University sport, but face challenges in pursuing a life-changing degree.
All full-time home undergraduate courses at the University of Bradford are applicable for the scholarship. The application process begins in November 2025, with those interested in studying at Bradford asked to register their interest now through an online form. At least two of the five scholarships will be for female applicants.
Those who wish to support the scholarship can also donate
Philip Fisher, Senior Development Manager at the University of Bradford, said: “We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of our alumni who have given together to help us launch the scholarship.
“Inspired by their own sporting experiences at Bradford and their lifelong friendships, this scholarship will help students who are committed to University sport, but who face challenges in pursuing their sporting and academic dreams.”
Davide Longo, Bradford City’s Chief Commercial Officer, who attended the scholarship launch, said: “It is great to see people coming together who have been at the University a long time ago and putting funds into the scholarship.
“Sport is unique in terms of keeping people together.”
Members of the Football Club Old Boys paid a return visit to campus – Images credit: KM Images Ltd