au
This past Monday saw a truly special occasion arrive in Bradford, and more specifically to local club (and Don Whitley Scientific sponsored) Thackley Juniors FC. The first round of FA Cup fixtures were drawn from the Thackley clubhouse, with Don Whitley Scientific Managing Director Paul Walton in attendance.
The club was chosen for a couple of reasons. Inspired after Bradford City’s heroics in last season’s FA Cup, beating Chelsea 4-2 at Stamford Bridge, the FA and the BBC wanted to choose a club from Bradford. Also, as the efforts from the FA to concentrate on grass roots football continue, it was decided that as Thackley Juniors had “already been awarded the Charter Standard Community Club award which is the highest accolade a junior club can achieve at grassroots level” they would suit the FA and the BBC perfectly.
The night was a fantastic occasion and was broadcast live on BBC Two (presented by Match of The Day 2’s Mark Chapman). The draw was conducted by Thackley Chairman Mat Everett and Bradford legend and former manager Stuart McCall. Bradford City drew Aldershot away, meaning a long trip down south for what won’t be an easy match by any means.
Let’s hope one day, the players that Thackley Juniors are producing will play in the FA Cup themselves and make potential opponents fear the prospect of playing against them.
English