Ben Rhydding Hockey Club has been associated with a new digital project commissioned as part of the Bradford City of Culture Year.
The People of Bradford is a digital series, created in collaboration with renowned documentary photographer Tim Smith, working alongside Patrycja Maziarz and Ruth Agbolade.
Their photographs and creative work capture the social and cultural experiences of their subjects.
In this series, they are bringing together the lives and stories of real Bradford people with captivating images.
As part of this project, documentary photographer Ruth Agbolade visited the club late last year to take a series of portraits and action photos as well as to speak to a number of members.
The results of all these projects have now been published on the Bradford City of Culture website here and coincides with the club celebrating its 125th anniversary this year.
“I’ve been a long-time supporter of Ben Rhydding Sports Club in its many forms, particularly the cricket and hockey sections,” said Robin Snook, who commentates on hockey for a local radio station.
“It’s an incredible club. We’re the largest sports club in the valley, with around 1,000 playing members. When you factor in parents, supporters, visiting teams, and volunteers, we probably have between 2,000 and 4,000 people on site every single week, all year round.
“Clubs like this create belonging. They help people, especially young people or those new to an area, build friendships, stay connected, and feel part of something.
“Individual sport is great, but team sport builds community, and that’s what this place is really about.”
Izzy McDonald, Women’s President, said: “I think people in Yorkshire, particularly around Bradford and Leeds, are very warm and welcoming.
“What makes this area special is that you get the best of both worlds: city life with Bradford and Leeds nearby, and beautiful countryside and moors right on your doorstep. It’s a wonderful place to live.”
