Disabled youngsters could master the exciting new games of boccia and polybat.

A £56,000 grant was secured from Sport England by Bradford Sport and Recreation for People with Disabilities (BSRAPD) to help pay for a community sports inclusion worker.

The person, yet to be appointed, will promote sports for people with sensory, physical and learning difficulties in Little Horton, Holme Wood and Bierley.

Andy Parkin, development officer at the Shipley-based BSRAPD, expects the programme to start in January.

"We will be employing someone to work in the most deprived wards in Bradford, working with local partners to set up and develop sporting opportunities," he said.

"I envisage the worker will kick off using games equipment under the SportSability national scheme to provide activities.''

The grant was dependent on match funding from BSRAPD, Bradford Council Arts, Heritage and Leisure and Sports Action Zone and it will cost around £125,000 to fund the whole programme. Specialist games which could be available include boccia which is similar to French boules, a simple table tennis called polybat and goalball where the aim is to roll a goal blindfold into the net.

Saltaire teenager Nicholas Killen lost his sight to cancer is familiar with the sport of goalball as he is in the national team.

"There are three people on each team and the court has tactile lines with a goal at each end. There is a bell in the ball and you have to dive about a lot and score,'' said 16-year-old Nicholas.

"It's good competition and at the moment I have to go to Leeds to train so it will be good for people who want to learn as they can train here.''

Table cricket and hockey could also be used in the programme to improve skills and provide fun sports for disabled people.

Mr Parkin added: "There is a competitive element which is really important because once they have mastered the games at grass roots level there is an opportunity to play matches at a regional and national level.''

For more information about sports schemes for the disabled contact BSRAPD on Bradford (01274) 757093.