Football tournament remembers fire tragedy victims

The two-day event will be held at Marley Activities and Coaching Centre in Keighley

A football tournament paying tribute to the victims of the Bradford City fire disaster is due to be held over the Easter weekend.

The 38th memorial tournament commemorates the 56 people who died when a fire broke out at the Valley Parade ground on 11 May 1985 during a match between Bradford and Lincoln.

The two-day event will be held at Marley Activities and Coaching Centre in Keighley and will be free to attend, with a minute's silence to be held on both days at 09:00 BST before the matches get under way.

Bradford councillor Sarah Ferriby said: "This tournament is an appropriate way to commemorate the Bradford City fire disaster."

The blaze at Valley Parade broke out in one of the wooden stands during a match between the Bantams and Lincoln City.

As a result, 54 Bradford City fans and two Lincoln City supporters died, with at least 265 others injured.

The annual event commemmorating the tragedy has been organised by Bradford Council's community sports and activities development unit and is sponsored by the Prison Officers Association.

A total of 10 teams are expected to compete in the Under-12s competition on Saturday, followed by the Under-14s tournament on Sunday.

The final will be held on Sunday afternoon, with Bradford's Lord Mayor presenting the players with commemorative medals and a trophy to the winning team.

Ferriby said: "To see so many young people taking part is fantastic. I wish all of them well, may the best team win."

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