Youngsters will be able to perfect silky soccer skills when the first disabled football club in Bradford is started.

Boys and girls who may have been hampered by physical, learning and sensory disabilities will be encouraged towards their sporting dreams. Bradford Disability Football Club is to be launched at Bradford City's match against West Bromwich Albion at Valley Parade on April 13.

And the search is on to find footballers aged eight upwards who will enjoy professional coaching at fun and competitive sessions.

Andy Parkin, of Bradford Sports and Recreation Association for People with Disabilities (BSRAPD), said: "The aim is to give people with disabilities the opportunity to access quality coaching from FA qualified coaches.

"We will then identify talented players and put them forward for regional and national representation."

The club will be started with a £1,000 grant from the English Federation of Disabled Sports which will be presented to it during the half-time interval at City's match.

The idea has been spearheaded with help from BSRAPD, Haycliffe School, Bradford City Football in the Community and Bradford Council and it is hoped further funding will be won.

Paul Squires, of Wrose, whose 17-year-old son Alexander, pictured, has learning disabilities, said: "It will be good for self esteem and physical well-being and it allows access to sporting facilities which otherwise wouldn't be available as people with disabilities can be quite restricted.

"Alexander is very excited about playing football and pleased it is going ahead."

Sessions will be held on Tuesdays from 3.30pm to 5.15pm at Bradford University's all-weather pitch in Laisteridge Lane and at Beckfoot School in Bingley on Sundays from 10am to 11am.

Former Bradford City footballer, Ian Ormondroyd, who works for Bradford City Football in the Community, said: "The sessions are about fun and enjoyment, we hope many girls and boys will participate and go home with a smile on their face.

"People who want to find out more about the scheme should contact Andy Parkin or Sally on (01274) 757093.