A BRADFORD student has earned national recognition after his contribution to disability sport.

Robbie Cliffe, who attends Bradford College, was named as a runner-up in the Achievements in Disability Sport category at the Association of College’s Sports Awards.

The Queensbury student, who is autistic and experiences mental-health issues, including depression and anxiety, represented England MENCAP in the European Football Championships in Switzerland last June.

The 21-year-old also represented Yorkshire and Humberside in the Great Britain Special Olympics, and currently plays for Bradford Disability Football Club while studying for a Level Three BTEC sub-diploma in sport.

“I’d like to thank my family and coaches for giving me so much confidence to reach my potential in football,” Robbie said.

“With the experience I have gathered in my career in football, I am hoping to become more talented and become a coach one day as I want to replicate the success I have seen in other talented players in football.”

Robbie’s tutor Gary Bradwell, who nominated the student for the award, added: “Robbie is a superbly motivated and positive individual who was awarded sports student of the year at the college last summer and continues to work incredibly hard, with sport being the main focus and medium for his development.”

Robbie was one of four students shortlisted for the award.