THE FOOTBALLERS of Bradford City will once again stand in solidarity with the homeless as Centrepoint’s Sleep Out Bradford returns for its third year.

People across the district are urged to swap their beds for sleeping bags and camp overnight at the Utilita Energy Stadium.

The event is set to be bigger and better than ever before, organisers say, as businesses join members of the club in solidarity with the homeless.

The Centrepoint initiative helps support homeless young people across the district with participants of the Bantams’s event keeping 150 young people safe this Winter.

Chloe Sykes, regional fundraising manager at Centrepoint, said: “Sleep Out is a lot of fun but there is a serious side to it.

“The money we raise will help support vulnerable and homeless young people gain the skills and confidence they need to find work or return to education.

This year marks Centrepoint’s 50th year in service which means the charity is hoping to make it the “biggest Sleep Out yet”.

Sleeping on the concourse at the ground, last year saw over 140 locals play their part in raising £30,000 to support the charity.

Entry for this year’s event is priced at £15, and the club are determined to make this year’s Sleep Out Bradford and even bigger success.

Bradford City’s director of communications, Ryan Sparks, is calling on the football club’s supporters to get behind the sleep out.

Mr Sparks said: “We are delighted to see Sleep Out Bradford return for the third year running.

“It is a fantastic initiative, one we are proud to be supporting, and it raises huge funds to help those who need it most.

“Last year was a huge success and we are desperate to top it, this time around, to help the young homeless people of Bradford.

“We urge City supporters to get involved in whichever way they can.”

On the day, stewards will guide fundraisers to the sleeping space to lay out your sleeping bag or blankets.

After people will have the chance to celebrate your brilliant fundraising efforts with food, drinks, and live music.

Centrepoint will also share services and the young people we support.

At 11pm the real challenge begins and you’ll settle into your sleeping-bag for the night.

It’s an early start the next day when, after a hot breakfast, everyone leaves by 7am.

All participants must be aged 18 and over on the day of Sleep Out.

Anyone over 65 or with a medical condition is advised to check with their medical practitioner before taking part.

Apply for Sleep Out and join other towns fighting for the homeless across the country - including London, Manchester, Bradford and Sunderland.