A FOOTBALL club is dedicating its season to a "polite and lovable" 15-year-old former player who was killed in high-speed car crash in Bradford.

Bradford Horton Sports, whose first team play in Division One of the West Riding League, will also hold a minute's silence in memory of Saliq Amjad Malik at their Bradford District Cup game this weekend.

Sports-mad Saliq suffered serious head injuries when a Volkswagen Golf he was a passenger in crashed into a parked car, lamppost and a wall on Gilpin Street, Barkerend, last Friday. He died later that day at Leeds General Infirmary.

Mohammed Rizwan, who manages Sports' open-age first team, said Saliq played for the club - which has teams at various age levels - in its former guise of BD3 United.

He described the teenager as "polite", "lovable" and "one of the best players in the team". Mr Rizwan said Saliq left the club aged 14.

"He was one of the friendliest and most lovable characters in the team," said Mr Rizwan. "Everyone at the club has sent condolences to the family. It was a sad weekend, really upsetting.

"His manager said he was one of the most polite people you could speak to, and very respectful.

"Everyone at Bradford Horton Sports wants to send condolences out to the family. They are always in our thoughts and prayers. We are dedicating our season to Saliq. Future events and activities will all be dedicated to his memory."

The crash happened about a three-minute walk from Myra Shay, where Sports' teams play their home games.

Mr Rizwan continued: "He was a very good player. I remember a couple of players always got mentioned to me as ones to watch out for. He was one of them.

"Saliq was part of one of the most successful teams we have ever had and he was one of the three or four best players in that team.

"He had a promising future if he had carried on playing - he could have played at a decent level.

"His manager said he used to be one of the main players, and that technically he was probably one of the best. He could play midfield or centre-half and always played with no fear. He used to go into tackles and was never afraid."

Mr Rizwan added: "We formed to give opportunities to youngsters. We play for our community and where we are from.

"I want everyone to know that, as a club - coaches, players and managers - we are always there for young people, even if they just want to talk."

Anotjher 15-year-old boy who was the front seat passsger in the Golf remained in hospital last night.

A 17-year-old youth, who was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving sion in Bradford, has been released on bail.

Police investigating the tragedy have urged the occupants of a purple or maroon Peugeot, who would have seen the Golf shortly before the crash, to contact PC Andrew McManus or Sergeant 4756 Quinn at the Major Collision Enquiry Team on 101.