Striker-turned-Premier League chief back in Bradford
A former footballer-turned Premier League executive returned to the University of Bradford 40 years after first arriving as a student.
Iffy Onuora, Head of Race Equality and Inclusion at the FA Premier League, learned about the University’s commitment to social mobility and diversity during his return visit.
He studied BSc Social Sciences at the University of Bradford from 1985 before graduating four years later and starting his professional football playing career.
Iffy said: “I am really impressed with the breadth of scholarships at the University, including for women and white working-class males. It is really important. EDI [Equality, Diversity and Inclusion] is about transforming lives for everybody.
“I love the fact that football brings people together. Bradford is a great example of that, it’s the central part of the community.
“I had a fabulous four years at University. I played football for 15 years. I would not change anything.”
Who is Iffy Onuora?
The Glasgow-born striker played for nine clubs including Huddersfield Town, Gillingham and Swindon Town during his career from 1989 to 2004, scoring 117 goals in 453 appearances.
He managed Swindon Town, the Ethiopia national team, had caretaker manager spells at Gillingham and Lincoln City and was part of the England Men’s Under-21s coaching set-up.
Iffy’s role as Head of Equality and Inclusion at the FA Premier League comes with responsibility of co-ordinating EDI policies and programmes and embedding best practice across top flight clubs. The role also involves working with organisations including the English Football League (EFL), Kick It Out and Stonewall on EDI related matters.
What he saw during his visit
Iffy learned more about the University’s projects on social mobility and student wellbeing.
He also heard about the University of Bradford’s partnership with Bradford City and the Stories from Valley Parade project. Academics from the University’s ‘Visualising Heritage’ team are creating a digital copy of the University of Bradford Stadium, traditionally known as Valley Parade, which people will be able to explore through virtual reality (VR).
Iffy recorded his own video for Stories from Valley Parade, to be launched on Sunday 22 June, sharing memories of playing against Bradford City at Valley Parade and the large home crowds the club records.
Professor Udy Archibong, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (EDI), at the University of Bradford, said: “Iffy is a great example of a Bradford alumni success story.
“He is helping to lead the way in football with his work on EDI, something the University of Bradford is also committed to, as we strive to make a difference.”