ENGLAND manager Gareth Southgate praised Bradford City FC Community Foundation's Disability Programme after it received a £1,450 Grow the Game grant.

Grow the Game is a programme funded by The FA and the Football Foundation which awards grants to grassroots clubs wishing to create new teams.

The funding means Bradford City DFC can create a ladies team and an under-16 girls team, and will also allow them to develop more female coaches, including those with disabilities.

“I am so pleased that Bradford City DFC has secured this grant," Southgate said.

"The club has worked very hard with the West Riding County FA and the Football Foundation to get more local people playing football so that they can enjoy the many physical and mental benefits that come with playing regular sport."

Paul Jubb, club head coach and disability officer at the Community Foundation, said: "I have been involved in disability football for over 15 years and we have never had a women’s only football team.

"Thanks to this funding we are moving from mixed gender training sessions to a new female only session and we are aiming to enter in the 2018 FA Peoples Cup in February next year.

"The ladies disability category is only in its second year and we feel this will be a fantastic way to start our journey."

Any women or girls interested in joining the female only sessions, which start on Tuesday, January 9 at Bradford Academy, can contact Jubb on 07845-568226, or visit www.bradfordcitydfc.co.uk