Bantams and archers join forces with school over training facilities

The pavilion at Rawdon Meadows, where the Bantams have their own pitch and which is 
also used by Bronte Archers, will shortly be demolished and replaced with a new £350,000 facility.

An indoor archery range, four changing rooms, referee rooms, a club room and kitchen will be built thanks to contributions from Bradford Council, Woodhouse Grove School and a grant from the Football Foundation.

Councillor Andrew Thornton, Bradford Council’s executive member for environment, sport and sustainability, said: “The project is an excellent example of the public and private sectors working together.

“The facilities were in desperate need of refurbishment and this work will greatly benefit the local community, sports clubs and the school.”

Once the work is completed Woodhouse Grove School will take on a lease to maintain and manage the facility while retaining all community sport use and casual use of the area. The offer to clubs who use Rawdon Meadows will also expand to include further facilities within the school.

The scheme, which should be completed in October, will allow the school to encourage football as part of the curriculum and work with Bradford Ladies’ Football Club on developing women’s football.

Woodhouse Grove headmaster David Humphreys said: “Woodhouse Grove is delighted to be able to play its part in its local community. This project is a good example of the benefits that come from groups working together for mutual benefit.”

A footpath on the site has been diverted so that it now follows the river, providing a riverside walk.