BRADFORD City will continue its work to encourage more diversity at football grounds when it welcomes another group of first-time supporters to Valley Parade this weekend.

City’s fixture against Leyton Orient tomorrow will be attended by 30 youngsters from the Shapla football academy, run by the BEAP Community Partnership, which is based in Cornwall Road, near their stadium.

Last weekend, a different group of 30 youngsters from BEAP were hosted by the Bantams as matchday guests at their League One clash with Gillingham.

The Football Supporters’ Federation (FSF) backed the initiative and provided goodie-bags for the group, which included souvenirs and a City scarf.

James Mason, City’s new chief operating officer, said: “Hopefully, these youngsters will have enjoyed the experience and the group that come this weekend will do, too – win, lose or draw.

“Our links with the Manningham community are important to us and We are delighted to be working alongside BEAP and supporting the fantastic support they offer to youngsters in this area.”

Anwar Uddin, of the FSF, said: “I have been very fortunate to have played at Bradford City a number of times throughout my career with different clubs, after every visit I have been impressed by the atmosphere and the aura the club has in and around the ground. This is the message I want to share with the local community who see the club from their bedroom windows.”

BEAP - formerly known as the Bangladesh Educational Achievement Project - provides a range of activities for youngsters including football coaching on Saturday mornings.