Youngsters at Nab Wood Sports Centre have teamed up with Bradford Council to launch a sports grants scheme.

Sports groups across the district are being encouraged to grab a share of £250,000, earmarked to drive up participation in sport.

The Sports Cheque Fund offers clubs grants of up to £10,000 through the Community Sports Alliance of Bradford Council’s Leisure Service.

Voluntary sports clubs and associations can apply for two separate types of funding. Applications can be made for between £1,000 and £10,000 for upgrading sports facilities and new equipment, and for £500 to £5,000 towards finance, coaching and human resources.

Clubs can apply for both categories of funding but the total amount cannot exceed £10,000.

Council Leader Kris Hopkins said: “It’s fantastic news and will no doubt help to attract even more people to take part in sport and physical activities.

“Encouraging people of all ages and abilities to get fitter is a key element of our b-active campaign, and we hope to significantly add to the 10.5 million people who have visited our sports centres and pools since the scheme was launched in 2003.”

The closing date for applications is October 31.

For more information about the Sports Cheque scheme, call Bradford Community Sports Development Unit on (01274) 522750.