ISSE: Building Community Cohesion and Opportunity Through Grassroots Sport in Bradford
ISSE is a Bradford-based social enterprise driven by the belief that sport can bring people together and change lives. Founded by a community leaders with deep roots in local youth work and sports coaching, ISSE works to improve health, build confidence, boost education, and create spaces where people of all ages and backgrounds can come together.
ISSE’s journey with the Local Access Bradford & District (LABD) programme began with a conversation with Ashfaq about new ideas. Through Impact, the founder, Humayun learned about LABD’s loan and grant support, designed to help community enterprises grow stronger and invest in their futures. Later with support and guidance from both Ashfaq and Wendy, ISSE secured a £4,555 organisational readiness grant through Give Bradford. This funding allowed the team to develop a detailed business plan and financial forecast, setting out practical steps toward long-term sustainability.
For ISSE, the LABD support was more than just funding, it was a learning journey. Working with an external consultant gave the team fresh perspective and helped formalize their plans around finance, growth, and impact. By the end of the process, ISSE had a strong business plan, a viable financial model, and a clearer sense of direction for the years ahead. This journey has built confidence across the team and strengthened ISSE’s position among community and funding networks like Give Bradford. The organisation is now ready to take the next steps toward physical expansion and social investment.
“It is a real opportunity for charities, CICs, social enterprises, etc., to really take advantage of this whole process.”
Looking ahead, the team is exploring options with the Bradford Council to identify underused buildings that could become part of a new community sports hub. The search is intentional, ensuring the chosen site truly meets local needs and fills existing gaps rather than adding to saturation. The next big milestone is securing social investment, targeted for 2026. ISSE is planning a blended funding model of a £30,000 grant and a £70,000 repayable loan, allowing sustainable growth without overstretching resources.