THE University of Bradford has formed a new partnership with a community football club in the city which has links to the world’s most famous football club, Real Madrid.

The university has joined up with Alpha United Juniors, and will offer its facilities for the club’s summer camps which are delivered by Fundación Real Madrid coaches.

Youngsters who catch the eye at this camps could progress through the camp to be trained at the home of Real Madrid, the Bernabeu.

Alpha United Juniors has won numerous awards for bringing football to a deprived area of the city.

Mark Garratt, the university’s director of external affairs, said: “What this club has achieved in the last six years is astounding.

“We are delighted to be able to support the club by hosting their summer camp with Fundación Real Madrid and look forward to working together in the future.”

Mohammed Waheed, of Alpha United Juniors, added: “It is amazing to have such a great partnership with Fundación Real Madrid and now to add the University of Bradford to the story of Alpha United Juniors is fantastic.

“It showcases what we have achieved to date locally, nationally and internationally.”

Tamino Kroeger, UK manager of Fundación Real Madrid Clinics said: “To do what the volunteers do at Alpha United Juniors, week in and week out is very rare to find.

“It’s not something anybody should take for granted. We were so interested in establishing a partnership with Alpha United Juniors.

“I was in Bradford myself twice last year, to meet the representatives and to execute the clinic. All I have to say about the community is that I have never felt so welcome anywhere. It was as if I was part of the family and this is what football should be all about. Bringing communities from around the world together.

“We are happy & looking forward to coming back to Bradford for the second year in a row and obviously hope to welcome even more children at the clinic with Alpha United Juniors this summer, from August 5 to 9.”