Our clubs
Campion AFC
Bowling Baptist Cricket Club
150 years of sports
Our story started in 1865 when our Scotchman Road site became the home ground for Manningham Mills Cricket Club – a branch of Lister’s Mill Sports and Social Club.
Today, our grounds are home to semi-pro football club Campion AFC and Bowling Baptist Cricket Club. You can learn more about each team on this page.
One of Bradford’s leading Semi-Pro Football clubs.
Campion F.C. are perhaps the most successful amateur team over recent years to hail from Bradford. In just over 50 years, the club has developed some of the country’s brightest young talent and secured a place at the very top of amateur football in West Yorkshire.
The club has won various cups over the years, with the 2006/7 victory in the WRCFA Challenge Cup final undoubtedly a highlight.
A Mesage of Thanks to Campion Stalwart: Andy Shepherd
Andrew is the reason Campion AFC are where they are today.
In the early 1980s, Andrew became manager of Campion after a number of the management team left. He was the manager, secretary, treasurer, bucket man and did anything to keep the football team going. At the time, the team played in the Red Triangle League. Andy enlisted supporters and better players, helping the club to become more established and by the mid 1980s, they had moved into the West Riding County Amateur League.
Andrew brought in new managers to support the club’s progression, whilst actively contributing to its direction. Gradually, the Club began to move up the league, winning trophies along the way. Andy didn’t stop there. On Sunday mornings, he was regularly out scouting for talent, bringing some great players to the club – some of whom went on to become professional players – demonstrating his skill for recognising emerging talent.
As the club became more established, Andrew started a second team. A decision that helped the club flourish. By the early 1990s, Andrew managed to get the team playing at Manningham Mills. Many people feel that securing a permanent base for Campion was one of Andrew’s greatest feats for the club.
Campion’s success continued with the club’s 1st and 2nd teams winning trophies. In the 2000s, the club won its greatest honour – the West Riding County Cup…some say it’s the equivalent of the European Cup.
In 2014, the club moved into the semi-professional ranks of the Northern Counties East League – possibly because the West Riding County Amateur League was declining. Andrew’s decision left our 2nd team in the top division, allowing many of our players to gain valuable experience before they entered the semi- professional ranks.
Today, Andrew still has the same drive as he did as a young man at the helm in early 1980s. Without his energy and contribution, the club may never have experienced its success. The management of the club would like to thank Andrew for his passion, commitment and hardwork over the years.
…the legacy of cricket in Manningham
Our fields are perhaps most well known known for their association with Manningham Mills Cricket Club. Established in 1865, the club was a branch of Lister’s Mill Sports and Social Club and became founding members of the West Bradford Cricket League in 1893.
In 2014, our historic cricket fields became home to Bowling Baptist Cricket Club. The Bowling Baptist Church closed many years ago and the club had used various grounds. Our team is a multicultural team which reflects the society we live and work in today.
The Club is always looking for new players. If you’re interested in joining, please visit their website and they “will welcome you with open arms!”
