Valley Parade: A Stadium Forged by History and Resilience

Valley Parade, a name that evokes a deep sense of pride and a poignant memory for many, stands as the home of Bradford City AFC in the Manningham district of Bradford. This stadium is more than just a football ground; it's a monument to the city's rich sporting history and an enduring symbol of resilience in the face of tragedy.

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A Century of Sporting Heritage

The stadium's history stretches back to 1886, when it was built on the site of a quarry as the home of Manningham FC, the first champions of the Northern Union (rugby league). Bradford City took up residence in 1903, and since then, Valley Parade has also hosted other teams, including Bradford (Park Avenue) and Bradford Bulls RLFC, cementing its status as a central pillar of West Yorkshire's sporting community.

The stadium itself has undergone many transformations. Until 1952, it was largely unchanged from its early days, but a major structural fault in the Midland Road Stand led to its demolition. For a time, Valley Parade was a three-sided ground until the new East Stand was finally completed in 1966. The pictures from December 2022 show the modern, all-seater stadium, a far cry from its earlier iterations.

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Remembering the Tragedy of 1985

On May 11, 1985, Valley Parade was the scene of one of the worst disasters in the history of sport. A fire swept through the wooden structure of the Main Stand (now the JCT 600 Stand), a tragedy that claimed the lives of 56 people and injured 265 others. This event forever changed the stadium and the community.

In the years following the disaster, the stadium was completely rebuilt from the ground up. Today, it stands as a state-of-the-art, all-seater stadium with a capacity of 25,136, spread across five distinct stands, including the Main Stand which was rebuilt to modern safety standards. The new stadium is not just a place for sport; it is a powerful memorial to those who lost their lives, a testament to the community's strength, and a symbol of hope and renewal.

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The Main (West) Stand

The JCT 600 Stand, or the Main Stand, is the centerpiece of Valley Parade, a structure with a unique and defining presence. It's the largest stand in the stadium, with a capacity for 9,004 fans, yet it's distinctive for not stretching the full length of the pitch. Instead, the stand occupies just three-quarters of the pitch-side space, with offices filling the remaining quarter. This design gives the stand a unique visual character and creates a natural boundary between the roaring crowd and the administrative heart of the club.

In a small, open section near the offices, a patch of uncovered seating offers a different kind of matchday experience, exposed to the elements. This slight quirk in the design adds to the stand's charm, making it a truly unique feature of the iconic stadium.

The Midland Road (East) Stand

The Midland Road Stand at Bradford's Valley Parade is more than just a single tier of seating; it's a testament to the club's past and the ambition of a former era. With a capacity of 4,500, this stand is a familiar sight to fans, particularly as it's the section used to house away supporters.

Around the turn of the millennium, former chairman Geoffrey Richmond envisioned a far grander future for this part of the stadium. His ambitious plan was to add a second tier, which would have increased the East Stand's capacity to a remarkable 10,000. This project, a symbol of the club's high hopes, never came to fruition. Despite this, the stand remains a crucial part of Valley Parade's identity, a place where rival fans gather to create a vibrant atmosphere and add to the rich tapestry of the matchday experience.

The Kop

This picture perfectly captures the unique character of traditional British football stadiums. Unlike modern, out-of-town arenas, Valley Parade is deeply woven into the fabric of its community. The image shows the Kop Stand rising dramatically over the terraced houses of Rear Rock Terrace, a powerful reminder that the stadium is part of the neighbourhood, not separate from it.

The stadium’s distinctive, asymmetrical shape is a result of this close relationship. Local folklore says the odd angle of the main stand is a direct consequence of the "right to light" laws, which prevented major development from casting a shadow over the homes to the east. This isn’t just a stadium; it’s an urban fortress, built in harmony with the houses that have stood watch over it for generations, a true symbol of football's place at the heart of the community.

The Kop Stand is more than just a place to watch a match—it’s a powerful symbol of fan passion. As the second largest stand in the stadium, with a capacity for 7,492 supporters, it's a vibrant heart of the club. What makes this Kop particularly unique is its design: unlike the traditional, single-tiered Kop stands found in many British stadiums, this one rises in a distinctive two-tiered structure, a modern twist on a classic footballing tradition.

TL Dallas (South) Stand

While the other stands at Valley Parade rise majestically, the TL Dallas South Stand holds its own with a distinct, compact character. Tucked in by Holywell Ash Lane, this two-tiered stand is the smallest in the stadium, with a capacity of 1,840. Despite its size, it’s a crucial part of the ground's atmosphere, as it traditionally houses the away fans. This unique role, combined with its intimate scale and the physical limitations on its expansion, makes the South Stand a a small but vital part of the stadium's story.

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Griffin Park, Brentford.

Not a set of football pics but a set of art works created by me of the former Griffin Park Football Stadium, Home of Brentford Football Club until 2020. 

Griffin Park opened on the 1st September 1904 with a 1-1 draw between Brentford and Plymouth Argyle, and closed after the final game between Brentford "B" and Erith Town in the London Senior Cup. The record attendance for a Brentford FC match at the ground was 38678 fora FA Cup 6th round tie against Leicester City in the February 1949, Brentford lost 2-0.

The ground has featured athletics, tennis, Gaelic Football and baseball in the early part of it's history, and was the home ground of the London Broncos Rugby League team from 2002 until 2006.

Other notes of interest about Griffin Park is the stadium being underneath the flight path of Heathrow Airport and the roof of the stands being used as giant advertising boards, and a pub being situated on each corner of the ground.

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UK Rugby League Grounds from Above

Rugby League isn't just a hobby for me; it's a deep-rooted passion, particularly when it comes to my beloved Halifax Panthers. For years, they were known as Halifax RLFC, a club steeped in history with a legacy that includes four league championships and five Challenge Cup victories. While our glory days of consistent Super League presence are a little further back – we've been a mainstay of the Championship since our relegation in 2003 – the fire of fandom still burns bright.

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A New Perspective: From Spectator to Aerial Documentarian

My journey into a unique creative project began with a pivotal moment in the sport: the Super League's decision to deny Toronto Wolfpack re-entry. This move opened up a fascinating bidding process, creating an opportunity for Championship clubs to ascend to the Super League and for League One clubs to vie for a spot in the Championship. This reshuffling ignited a new curiosity in me, specifically about the grounds of the League One clubs.

What started as a simple interest quickly evolved into an ambitious idea: creating short aerial videos of each club's stadium. My initial plan was to focus solely on the League One grounds. However, I found myself thoroughly engrossed in the process. It was a refreshing departure from my usual creative endeavors, offering a new perspective and a technical challenge I truly enjoyed.

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Expanding the Vision: A Full League Showcase

That enjoyment led to an expansion of my project. I realized the potential to create a comprehensive visual record of the sport's infrastructure. Consequently, I extended my aerial tours to include all the Championship clubs and, ultimately, every Super League club's home stadium. The result is a unique collection that not only showcases the diverse venues of Rugby League but also offers a bird's-eye view of the heartlands of this incredible sport. It's been a truly rewarding experience, allowing me to combine my passion for Rugby League with a newfound love for aerial videography.

League 1.

Beyond the familiar Super League and Championship, a vibrant, albeit often overlooked, tier of professional rugby league exists: League 1. This dynamic competition currently comprises ten ambitious clubs, each vying for promotion and a slice of the sport's higher echelons. Far from a static entity, League 1 is a hotbed of potential expansion, with an intriguing array of prospective teams eyeing future admission, hinting at a truly international flavour for the competition.

The whispers of expansion are particularly exciting. Imagine the return of the Toronto Wolfpack, a club that previously disrupted the rugby league landscape with their transatlantic ambitions, bringing a renewed North American presence. Joining them could be the Ottawa Aces, whose 2022 confirmation marked a significant step in the sport's Canadian footprint. The allure of the Big Apple beckons with the potential inclusion of a New York City team, promising to tap into a vast, untapped market. Further afield, the prospect of teams from Belgrade and Valencia speaks to rugby league's burgeoning global appeal, hinting at a truly pan-European competition. Domestically, the sport's grassroots are stirring, with potential new clubs from Bristol and Liverpool signalling a desire to re-establish strongholds in key English cities.

For the upcoming 2021 season, the battle for promotion will be fiercely contested by a diverse group of clubs, each with their own unique history and aspirations. From the Cumbrian strongholds, the Barrow Raiders and Workington Town will bring their traditional rivalry and passionate support. The Midlands will be represented by the Coventry Bears, a club steadily building its presence in a less traditional rugby league heartland. Yorkshire's rich heritage will be on display with the likes of Doncaster RLFC, Hunslet Hawks, and Keighley Cougars, all boasting proud histories and determined to climb the ladder. London's enduring commitment to the sport will be championed by the London Skolars, while the ambition of the North Wales Crusaders highlights the sport's growing footprint across the Celtic nations. Finally, the Rochdale Hornets and West Wales Raiders complete the line-up, each bringing their own brand of resilient rugby to the challenging League 1 arena.

League 1, therefore, is more than just a third tier; it's a melting pot of established clubs, ambitious newcomers, and fascinating international prospects, all contributing to the rich tapestry of professional rugby league. The future of the competition, with its potential for significant expansion and increased geographical diversity, promises to be an incredibly compelling narrative for fans of the sport.

Championship.

The Betfred Championship isn't just a rugby league competition; it's arguably the most competitive and unpredictable league in the entire British rugby system. Imagine a battlefield where the margins are so fine that a strong opening to the season could be the very thing that propels a team towards promotion to Super League, or conversely, condemn them to relegation. This isn't hyperbole; it's the thrilling, high-stakes reality of the Championship.
The 2021 season, in particular, was a testament to this cutthroat environment. Fourteen formidable clubs lined up, each with aspirations of glory or the desperate need to secure their survival. The roster was packed with storied names and ambitious challengers: Batley Bulldogs, Bradford Bulls, Dewsbury Rams, Featherstone Rovers, Halifax Panthers, London Broncos, Newcastle Thunder, Oldham RLFC, Sheffield Eagles, Swinton Lions, Toulouse Olympique, Whitehaven RLFC, Widnes Vikings, and York City Knights.

Every single fixture in this league carries immense weight. The difference between a promotion playoff spot and the drop zone can often be just a handful of points, or even a single try. This intense pressure cooker environment forces teams to perform at their absolute peak week in and week out, leading to enthralling contests, unexpected upsets, and dramatic season finales. It’s a league where grit, determination, and tactical prowess are just as crucial as individual brilliance, making it a compelling watch for any rugby league enthusiast.

Super League.

The Super League stands as the pinnacle of professional rugby league in the United Kingdom, holding the prestigious position of being the second-highest-ranked competition globally. Its intensity and passionate fanbase make it a captivating spectacle for sports enthusiasts.

Following the unfortunate withdrawal of the Toronto Wolfpack, the Leigh Centurions earned their promotion to the Super League, ensuring a robust 12-club competition for the 2021 season. These twelve formidable teams battle it out annually for ultimate glory, each boasting a rich history and dedicated supporters.

The line up of clubs that make up this elite league includes:

• Castleford Tigers: Known for their fiercely loyal fanbase and attacking flair.

• Catalans Dragons: The sole French representative, bringing a unique international flavor and a powerful, physical game.

• Huddersfield Giants: A club with a long history in the sport, always a tough opponent.

• Hull FC: One half of the passionate Hull derby, renowned for their strong forward pack.

• Hull Kingston Rovers: The other half of the Hull rivalry, often characterized by their tenacious defence.

• Leeds Rhinos: One of the most successful clubs in Super League history, boasting multiple titles and a reputation for exciting rugby.

• Salford Red Devils: A resilient team known for their attacking ambition and never-say-die attitude.

• St Helens RFC: Widely regarded as one of the most dominant forces in modern rugby league, with a consistent record of success.

• Wakefield Trinity Wildcats: A club with a strong community presence and a history of passionate performances.

• Warrington Wolves: Often contenders for major honours, playing an expansive and entertaining brand of rugby.

• Wigan Warriors: Another titan of the sport, with a storied past and a reputation for developing top-tier talent.

Each season delivers thrilling matches, fierce rivalries, and incredible displays of skill and athleticism as these clubs vie for the coveted Super League trophy.

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Venice: More Than Just Canals – Stadio Pierluigi Penzo

As a football aficionado, visiting a new city always sparks the same question: "Do they have a team?" So, when I found myself in the enchanting labyrinth of Venice in October 2018, surrounded by gondolas and historic architecture, my thoughts inevitably turned to the beautiful game. I knew nothing of Venetian football, not even if it existed, but the sheer passion Italians have for the sport suggested a local club was a strong possibility. What I uncovered was a tale far more compelling than I could have imagined, a story of resilience, history, and a stadium unlike any other.

From Bankruptcy to Battle-Hardened Survivors: The Arancioneroverdi Spirit

My initial inquiries quickly confirmed my suspicions: Venice does indeed have a football club, Venezia FC, affectionately known as the Arancioneroverdi (orange-black-green). My excitement, however, was quickly tempered by the sobering reality of their recent past. This wasn't a story of glorious victories and overflowing trophy cabinets. Instead, it was a narrative woven with threads of struggle and survival. I learned that Venezia FC had faced the ultimate footballing nightmare not once, not twice, but three times, going bankrupt in 2015. And in the very season of my visit, 2018-19, they were locked in a desperate fight to avoid relegation from Serie B, a battle they ultimately won through a nail-biting play-off. Their only major honour, the Coppa Italia, dates back to 1941 – a testament to a bygone era.

This underdog status, however, only deepened my intrigue. It spoke of a club and a fanbase with an indomitable spirit, one that had weathered financial storms and on-pitch battles, refusing to be extinguished. It's a reminder that football isn't always about silverware; sometimes, it's simply about existing, about fighting another day.

Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo: A Century of Stories on the Lagoon

My quest naturally led me to their home ground, the Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo. As I made my way through the narrow Venetian streets, the idea of a football stadium amidst this watery cityscape felt almost surreal. And what a stadium it turned out to be! Opening its gates in 1913, it holds the remarkable distinction of being the second oldest continually used stadium in Italy. Imagine the echoes within those walls, the cheers and groans that have reverberated through a century of football.

The stadium itself is a tribute to a local hero, named after Pier Luigi Penzo, a fighter pilot who served during World War I. This dedication adds another layer of historical significance, connecting the club not just to the city's sporting heritage but also to its broader past.

While the stadium's current capacity of 7,450 pales in comparison to the record attendance of 26,000 set in 1966 for a clash against AC Milan, it still holds a unique charm. From the outside, I must admit, it looked a little sad and neglected, locked up tight with no one in sight. My hope of a quick peek inside for a small fee was unfortunately dashed. Yet, even without entering, the sheer uniqueness of its location resonated deeply.

Arriving by Boat: A Footballing Fairytale

What truly sets the Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo apart, and perhaps epitomises the spirit of Venezia FC, is its extraordinary logistical quirk: visiting teams often arrive by boat. Picture this: rival players, usually accustomed to team buses and sprawling car parks, instead disembarking from a water taxi, their boots touching down on the Venetian lagoon before a crucial match. It's a truly unforgettable image, a slice of footballing fairytale that perfectly encapsulates the magic of Venice itself.

My visit to Venice was more than just a tourist's exploration of canals and ancient architecture. It was an unexpected delve into the heart of a resilient football club, a testament to the enduring power of the game even in the most improbable of settings. Venezia FC, with its tumultuous history and unique stadium, proved that sometimes the most interesting stories aren't found in the headlines, but in the quiet, persistent pulse of a community that refuses to let its dreams, and its football team, sink beneath the waves.

The images below were taken with a Nikon d3300, clicking anyone of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

The video below is taken from my YouTube channel.

Please take a moment to share this post, follow me on social media, and explore my work on Photo4Me and Clickasnap using the links below. Your support means a lot!

All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.