BRADFORD City’s disability squad returned to training on Tuesday evening in” high spirits”, after the easing of lockdown restrictions.

With sporting facilities reopening on March 29, training resumed for the first time since December, with 45 players attending the session.

Restrictions in place but spirits high, City’s disability side took to the field, with head coach Paul Jubb overseeing proceedings.

Jubb said: “It was great to have them back. They were all very excited to return as they haven’t trained since December.

“It’s been tough for them. Three months without training, being in lockdown, bored to tears and nothing to do. They’ve all been really looking forward to it and counting the days down.”

On the training session itself, Jubb added: “They were all happy to see each other. It was quite hard to keep the team socially distanced, but we did try.

“We obviously have to abide by the FA rules, so when we do the warm-ups or any group work, we can only work in sixes.

“We have a temperature gage; hand sanitising stations and the players have to maintain social distancing when getting drinks.

“We did have good numbers on Tuesday. 45 it was. We had three levels of adults at higher, lower or middle and we have a junior’s section who were spread evenly amongst the adults.’

Bradford’s squad, who were due to train again last night, will return to league action next Sunday in the South Yorkshire Ability Counts League and Jubb believes: “It’s something else for them to look forward to.

“We are very lucky that we are playing in the disability league because it’s the only disability league that’s running in the country.

“All the others have taken the easy option and cancelled, but the South Yorkshire League have decided that the players need something to look forward to.

“It’s okay going to training every week, but if you don’t have a game to go to, where does the motivation come from?

Buoyant on his return to coaching, Jubb, currently in his 20th season of disability football coaching, said: “Disability football is my life. It is what I live for. I won the BBC unsung hero award a few years ago, as an acknowledgement for my volunteering over the years.

“Unfortunately, I was made redundant in September, so it’s something I look forward to. I’m just extremely happy it’s back.

Reflecting on what was a brilliant moment for him and his side last year, Jubb added: “We played on the pitch at Stamford Bridge last year, the home of Chelsea.

“The adults played at Stamford Bridge and the juniors played at Cobham, the club’s training ground. Both played tournaments which was a surreal moment for me and the players.

“It was amazing to stand and coach on the pitch and look up to the stands. I just wish the stands had been full.

“The juniors were also lucky enough to meet Carlo Cudicini and Petr Cech, Chelsea’s goalkeeping coaches."