JUNIOR footballers will be stepping out on the turf at Valley Parade later this month as they go for cup final glory.

The Craven, Aire and Wharfe League - which has 140 teams from under-11s through to under-17s - will stage two maches at Bradford City's ground on April 27.

their under-11s and under-13s finals on Sunday, April 27.

League secretary Mike Breeze said: "The lads reallky look forward to playing at a prestigious venue like Valley Parade. It gives them something to work for whether they are Bradford City supporters or not. This will be a tremendous occasion for them.

"Playing at Valley Parade makes the occasion really special. It also gives us the opportunity to support City -- our local professional club."

It is planned that the under-11s final between Thornton based Maverick Boys and Trawden Celtic will be at 10am. The under-13s final between Silsden and Queensbury will be at 11.15am.

City Supporters Trust member and former Craven League referee David Airey approached the club to ask if the league finals could be played at Valley Parade and the club sees them as a way of improving relations with local junior leagues as the club concentrates on developing young talent.

Former City favourite Ian Ormondroyd, Football in the Community Officer at Valley Parade, said: "The club want to develop closer links with junior clubs and we want to recruit more scouts.

"We run a development centre at Thornton Grammar School for the nine to 11-year-olds, centre of excellence teams and have special courses all year round."

Jonathan Pepper, City's youth development officer added: "We have placed a new emphasis on youth development. After theclub's financial problmes last summer the whole approach is on developing home grown talent.

"Chris Dowhan arrived as youth team coach last summer and young players like Simon Francis and Danny Forrest have emerged as first team players.

"I was appointed youth development officer with the brief to structure the eight to 16 Centre of Excellence programme and start attracting local talent to the club.

"Seventeen coaches are employed to help to develop the younger players, we have a physiotherapist to ensure they get the best medical care and 15 scouts are searching the local leagues for talented youngsters. Gone are they days when players had to drive past Valley Parade to another professional club for an opportunity to develop. The structure is now in place for local boys, who have exceptional talent, to prosper and hopefully play for their local club.

"If local managers or coaches wish to recommend any talented players they can contact me on 01274-773355.

"If any players are signed team mates and two adults will get a free day out to a first team game at Valley Parade."

n The league's under-14s and under-16s finals will be played at Guiseley on Sunday, April 13. The under-14s final is Silsden or Queensbury v Colne Clarets or Eccleshill. The under-16s will be between Pool or Hebden Bridge and Guiseley Gremlins or Shipley Juniors.