THE journey towards becoming a Real Madrid football player could start here in Bradford for two talented soccer players whose prowess on the pitch was spotted in April.

Teenagers Reinis Druskins, left, Zaryab-Ali Rasheed, both 15, were seen by Real Madrid coaches who came to Alpha United juniors, in Lidget Green, to do a training camp session in spring.

The young players enjoyed a week of training courtesy of Real Madrid's Academy and created a lasting impression on the talent scouts.

The Fundación Real Madrid Clinics is Real Madrid’s official football academy, which takes Madrid’s Youth Academy’s training philosophy to junior clubs across Europe.

As part of the experience, children aged seven to 15 get to take part in five days of fun and professional training designed to improve their physical attributes and also their footballing skills.

They are provided with nutritional lunches and also receive a Real Madrid football school kit, an Adidas football, and a Real Madrid drinks bottle.

Over the five days the youngsters were treated to some top level training using the best available gadgets and techniques designed to improve reaction and skill.

Techniques included drills ranging from agility runs to passing, moving into space, and more.

Some of the balls had microchips in them which can measure the speed and the swerve put on shots, and had trackers and heat maps to see how hard the youngsters were working.

Each session was different and designed to test the children.

The two 15-year-olds' skills with the ball were noted by the coaches which resulted in them being invited to show their talents further.

"It is really exciting news. The two have been invited to national viewings with the next stage being held potentially in London at the end of the year, or early next year, before the final step in Madrid if they make it through.

"It means two of our kids could move forward and potentially one day play at the Santiago Bernabeu," said Alpha United Juniors manager Mohammed Waheed.

"It is great to see the development of the juniors being recognised by the current premier club in world football. It is fantastic to have so many juniors and others recognise that the journey to Real Madrid starts here at Alpha United Juniors Football Club," he added.