A decade of celebrating sport and physical activity in Bradford

The Bradford Sports Awards, delivered by Active Bradford in partnership with Bradford Council, returned to Valley Parade for a landmark tenth anniversary celebration to recognise the outstanding sporting achievements and contributions to physical activity across the Bradford District.

The prestigious ceremony, held at Bradford City FC, brought together athletes, volunteers, coaches, clubs and community organisations to mark a decade of celebrating the people who make sport happen across Bradford.

This year's awards acknowledged an incredible year for sport which saw Bradford City's promotion bringing energy and pride to the city, the Bull's return to Super League and Ellie Kildunne delivering one of the defining sporting performances of 2025 at the Women's Rugby World Cup. The awards are not just about the big headlines, but a reminder that behind every high-profile club and international star, there are thousands of volunteers, coaches and unsung heroes who make sport happen every single week.

James Brown, CEO at Active Bradford said: "Bradford is a sporting city and nights like tonight prove it. Ten years ago, these awards were created to shine a light on the people who make sport happen in this district. A decade on, the stories are bigger, the achievements are greater, and the community is stronger. I couldn't be prouder to lead Active Bradford as we write the next chapter and I can't wait to see what the next ten years brings."

Jodie Bridger, YSF's Director for West Yorkshire said: "It was great to see so many people coming out to celebrate grassroots sport. These athletes, clubs, coaches and volunteers really hold the fabric of community sport together."

The vision set out by James for Active Bradford will continue to strengthen the partnership between the people and organisations who make these opportunities happen."

The full breadth of sporting life across the district, from grassroots community clubs to elite professionals, young athletes to long-serving volunteers were showcased with 25 awards split across seven categories.

Some of the key winners from the evening included:

• Bobby Pointon - Sportsman of the Year award
• Ellie Kildunne - Sportswoman of the Year award
• John Bigmore - Disability Sportsman award
• Isabelle Wright - Disability Sportswoman award
• Bradford City FC - Semi-Pro/Pro Club of the Year
• Bradford City FC's promotion goal - Sporting Highlight of the Year award
• Sarah Rowell - Special Recognition award
• Craig Tetley - Coach of the Year award
• BEAP Girls Sports Club - Diversity and Inclusivity award

Two Judges' Special Recognition awards were also presented on the night, to Ian Ormondroyd of BCFC Community Foundation and to Wayne Jacobs.

A full list of winners can be found here.

Active Bradford would like to thank all sponsors which include Bradford City FC, Bradford Bulls, Bradford College, Bradford Hate Crime Alliance, Bradford Ice Arena, Living Well, Salus Padel, Spark Merchandise, Sport England, Strike Padel, West Riding County FA, and Yorkshire Sport Foundation.