A junior rugby league team responsible for getting unruly youngsters on the straight and narrow might be forced to disband due to lack of funds.

Victoria Rangers, based in Ravenscliffe, Bradford, is desperately searching for sponsors to help provide much needed equipment and kits.

Founded three years ago, the Yorkshire League side is made up of children from throughout the east Bradford area.

They are coached by Lisa Oldfield, whose two sons Kristopher and Dale are involved in the side.

Both boys had anti-social behaviour orders granted against them last year for the unlawful use of motorbikes around the Tyersal area.

But since getting involved in the rugby team, they have turned their back on the bad behaviour, said Mrs Oldfield.

Kristopher, 17, is assistant coach for the side while younger brother Dale, 15, was made captain last year.

During the past three years the side has gone from strength to strength, finishing second in a Yorkshire League tournament.

Mrs Oldfield, 36, says that the team helps to distract the boys from trouble.

"The team gives them something to do and makes them rely on each other.

"It brings out any aggression they have in a positive way and has really brought the best out of the lads.

"Dale was getting into bother, inside and outside of school so

I decided to get him training.

"Last season he was best tackler, scored the highest amount of tries and was named best player by his team-mates - a great achievement for him."

But in spite of the team's success of late, it has yet to find a permanent sponsor.

"I do not know if it's because people are put off by the fact that we are from Ravenscliffe, but we just cannot get sponsorship," said Mrs Oldfield.

"We've got threadbare strips and had to hold a raffle just to raise enough cash to get some socks for the team to wear.

"It's not just lads from Ravenscliffe that play in the side, we have players from what people might call posher areas like Baildon as well.

"It's a really good mix and it would be a shame to see it all go."

Councillor Anne Wallace (Lib Dem, Eccleshill), said: "I support the club and will support anything which provides activities for children to do in the area.

"Ravenscliffe has had a bad reputation in the past but this team is bringing people into the area and showing them what a great area it is."

Any business or organisations interested in sponsoring Victoria Rangers should contact Mrs Oldfield on 07884 483640.