In early 2025, I was consulted by Andy Shepherd (Treasurer) and James Bicknell (Director of Football), who explained that the football pitch had to be made one metre wider, which was going to be a logistical and financial challenge.

James and I have known each other for over 20 years and were keen networkers back in the day, so it was no surprise when he asked if I could set up a Business Networking Group for Campion.

Over the next few days, I put forward a proposal to create a Business Networking Group, with the unique angle of being a fundraising group at the same time.

In March 2025, we were delighted to host an afternoon with Dominic and Jess Matteo and over 50 business owners.

As a result of the overwhelming support, The 1963 Club was founded.

We now host monthly networking events at the Clubhouse, here at the recently re-named, Anytime Couriers Stadium.

The fundraising is well under way and we have no doubt that the seemingly unachievable target that I set, will be met by the end of the year.

In May 2025, I was invited to become Club Chairman, which I was proud to accept.

My first official engagement as Chairman, was on Thursday, 8 May 2025, when the Campion Committee attended the Bradford Sports Awards at Valley Parade.

I was thrilled to witness outgoing Campion Chairman, Bob Stead, pick up an award for Campion, as we were voted Team of the Year - beating both Bradford City, who had just secured promotion, and the mighty Bradford Bulls.

Bob has been involved with Campion for over a quarter of a century, so it was a fitting tribute to recognise all the hard work he has put in for Campion over the years.

In July, we held the first Dave Keegan Memorial Trophy match, in what will now become an annual event.

Campion lifted the Trophy having beaten a very skilful Bradford City 11.

Dave or Kegsy, as he was known, was associated with Campion for over 30 years, latterly as Club Secretary and was a keen City supporter, so the Club is very grateful to all at Valley Parade for turning out in his memory.

During the closed season the alterations were carried out to the pitch, with brand new barriers and dug-outs also being installed.

As a Club, Campion is lucky enough to be supported off the pitch by the Manningham Mills Sports & Community Association (MMSC), which is responsible for maintaining the Stadium and the Clubhouse.

I was recently invited to the MMSC Committee, giving me an opportunity to learn about all the activities available here and how everything is connected.

MMSC is currently considering certain refurbishment works, which will enhance the experience of all that use the facilities here.

I’m looking to introduce new investment opportunities, to bring in additional revenue for both MMSC and Campion.

We have formed a Partnership with Bradford Bulls, which will give both our clubs the opportunity to improve their profile and attract new supporters.

We are also looking at other Partnerships within the Community and Education sector.

I’m in contact with the descendants of Lord Masham, more commonly known in Bradford, as Samuel Cunliffe-Lister, the textile giant, who built Manningham Mills/Listers Mill in the 1800’s.

The family have expressed an interest in our work here at MMSC and Campion, and I am thrilled to report that Felicity Cunliffe-Lister, wife of the Fourth Earl of Masham, has offered to provide us with copies of precious family photographs to mount in the Clubhouse.

We have plans to introduce new levels of sponsorship based upon high level investment at Campion, to ensure the Club is financially stable and ready to move up the football pyramid.

We now put out regular information and updates on Social Media, have an upgraded Website, a modern Season Ticket, newly designed Match Programs and are constantly updating the players kits.

Everyone on the Board is committed to taking Campion forward, and we are sure that with support from all our sponsors and loyal supporters, Campion will continue to thrive.

Come on Campion!