Bradford Bulls have announced a partnership with New College Bradford that will see the sixth-form school become one of the club’s Elite Academy Kit sponsors in 2024.

New College Bradford, located on Nelson Street, is one of the club’s educational partners, and has recently been rated as Outstanding in its latest Ofsted inspection.

The Bulls enjoy links with educational providers throughout Bradford, with captain Michael Lawrence a PE teacher at New College Bradford and their assistant principal Raza Siddique a new appointment to the club’s Youth & Academy Advisory Board.

Bradford Bulls’ Head of Youth Ryan Hunkin said: “We are delighted New College Bradford have decided to come on board as one of our Elite Academy Kit sponsors in 2024.

“Our Elite Academy continues to go from strength to strength since the reinstatement of our Elite Licence and the appointment of (former Bulls player) Glenn Morrison as head coach.

“That progress is helped no end by the support shown by the likes of New College Bradford and I am looking forward to watching our #BullsNextGen proudly wear their branding on our shirts next year.”

Anthony Gallagher, PE Teacher and Sport Co-ordinator at New College Bradford, said: “We are delighted to be working with the Bradford Bulls.

“We have a number of the academy players studying with us at the moment and they are a great asset to New College Bradford.

“As an Ofsted rated Outstanding College, we believe we can offer talented athletes a special environment to learn and reach their potential in education.”

Bulls’ CEO, Jason Hirst, said: “On behalf of the club and myself, I’d like to thank New College Bradford for their support of our Elite Academy. I’m sure our partnership will continue to flourish to the mutual benefit of both organisations.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Jason Hirst is now Bulls' CEO, but he initially joined the club two years ago as their academy & youth director, so it is little surprise developing the club's young talents means a lot to him.Jason Hirst is now Bulls' CEO, but he initially joined the club two years ago as their academy & youth director, so it is little surprise developing the club's young talents means a lot to him. (Image: @OfficialBullsRL.)

“Following recent developments at Newcastle Thunder and London Broncos, we are now the only club outside of Super League who are part time and run an Elite Academy.

“The fact that we continue to do so without any central funding from the RFL is testament to the club’s ownership group who remain committed to helping support and fund its running alongside the independent supporters’ group, BullBuilder, as well as the loyal, generous fans who contribute to the club’s Next Gen initiative.

“To all those people, I send a heartfelt thank you. 

“Spending £140,000 per annum to run the Elite Academy is a significant figure and undertaking for a part-time Championship club, such as ourselves.

“By remaining fully committed to maintaining our Elite Academy, the club is clearly demonstrating that it is not only focused on assembling a top end Championship side, but also on providing opportunities and pathways for talented young rugby league players.

“This partnership with New College Bradford only strengthens that desire and commitment.”