Teams get set for memorial games tournament

The Valley Parade Memorial Tournament, which will take place over the weekend of April 23 and 24, will also see players from junior clubs across the Bradford district compete against teams from Bradford City and Lincoln City at Marley Activities and Coaching Centre in Keighley.

The football competition has run every year since 1986, one year after the fire tragedy claimed the lives of 56 people on May 11, 1985, when Bradford City played against Lincoln City.

Carl Dalton, who was in the main stand when the disaster struck, now organises the tournament.

He said: “The tournament helps preserve the memory of those who died, provides us with an opportunity to reflect on what happened that day, and also lets us celebrate our future footballers.

“It shows how sport can unite people.”

Last May, about 2,000 people stood in silence at the rebuilt Valley Parade stadium to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the disaster – including civic leaders from the two cities.