A GROUP of Bradford businessmen will swap their suits for strips today to take part in a football tournament in the city centre.

Teams of five will do battle for the Suits in the City event on specially constructed pitches at City Park.

Organisers hope to boost the profile of the city's night-time economy by encouraging workers to socialise in it after work.

Employees from each of the firms taking part are also expected to form a crowd to cheer on teams, before heading to bars and restaurants in the city centre afterwards.

The tournament is split into two divisions of six teams, the Delius and Priestley Leagues, with the first matches kicking-off at 3.45pm.

The two leagues will operate on a points system, with three given for a win and one for a draw.

The 12 minute games will culminate with a final at 7.45pm.

Players will represent a host of Bradford companies and organisations including, Provident Financial, the Telegraph & Argus, Schofield Sweeney, Iconica Business Services, Rex Proctor and Partners and Bradford Council.

Mark Delves, of the Council's business and investment team, said: "The event is to engage with the sector and develop networking with companies and engage staff to come in to use the facilities available in the city.

"The hope is to get a crowd to come down and support the event. Lots of other cities have events like this, corporate days to increase engagement and increase networking.

"The aim is to try to get a lot of office workers into the city centre for the event today. We have been working with the Young Bradford Professionals Network and we came up with this idea for a corporate five-a-side football event.

"I think there will be some rivalries between the businesses on the pitch. There has been a good demand from teams to take part.

"It is also a good opportunity to try to get a load of office workers into the city on a Friday night."