A DISABLED football team from Bradford have been given a near £8,000 national grant.

Bradford Hot Wheels have received £7,955 after successfully applying to Sport England's Small Grants Programme.

The club, who currently train every Saturday at Grange Interlink, Summerville Road, Bradford, will be moving to their new home at Buttershaw Business and Enterprise College, Reevy Road, Bradford on November 29.

The grant will be spent on training for volunteers and parents, hire of facilities and essential equipment for the players to take part in matches.

The club, run by the Bradford Disability Sports and Leisure charity, currently has ten regular members but hope to expand their numbers after receiving the grant.

Powerchair Football is a competitive team sport for people with disabilities who use power wheelchairs.

The game is played in a gym on a regulation basketball court.

Two teams of four players use powerchairs equipped with footguards, also known as strikers, to attack, defend, and spin-kick a 13-inch football in an attempt to score goals. A larger-sized football is also used to play the game.

Predominantly, players suffer from conditions including Cerebral Palsy, Spinal Injuries, Spina Bifida and Muscular Dystrophy.

The club are funded through the Awards for All scheme.

Although Hot Wheels do not belong to a league, they will next be in action on Sunday, November 23 at the first-ever Powerchair Football Festival in York.

Sport England's Small Grants Programme has awarded cash to a host of other projects in the Bradford district this year.

Parkside Cricket Club, Bradford, hope to expand their numbers after sealing a £9,695 grant.

Bradford Judo Club secured £9,322 to fund the number of qualified coaches who can run their weekly sessions.

Bradford Maroons basketball team received £8,639 to pay for kit, equipment, facilities and transport.

Andrew Lane, West Yorkshire Sport development officer, who oversees Bradford Hot Wheels, said: "The grant is raising the profile of the club a bit.

"It is excellent news for the club, who have a small number of players but are looking to expand.

"We would like more people to come along and try the sport regardless of their age or levels of ability.

"Powerchair football is like a game of football but the ball is controlled by bumpers called strikers. They are essential to the game.

"Hot Wheels only started last year. We are looking for new members"

The club is open to anyone aged eight or over, who uses a powerchair.

For more information on joining the Hot Wheels, who train from 1pm to 3pm every Saturday, call Mr Lane on 01274 437093 or email andrew.lane@wysport.co.uk.