The first group of unemployed youngsters to compete a pilot development programme combining sports training and work experience with Bradford’s largest private sector employer have been awarded certificates.

Morrisons joined forces with Bradford Bulls to pioneer the new scheme to get young people fit for work, which will be rolled out across the UK. A parallel course was held at The Oval cricket ground in conjunction with Morrsions' Croydon store.

The Our Club scheme uses sports coaching techniques to boost trainees’ self confidence to help them in applying for work.

Nearly 2,000 18 to 24-year-olds nominated by Jobcentres will undergo the programme this year and will also gain work experience in Morrisons stores. Trainees are guaranteed an interview by Morrisons or other local companies supporting the scheme Nick Rowe, Morrisons academy and talent director, said: “Sport is inspirational for many young people so by combining elements from sports coaching with work skills training, we can deliver a programme that does much more than just teach people how to write a CV.”

More than 30 youngsters went through the initial Bradford programme and were presented with certificates by Neal Austin, Morrisons' group logistics and interim HR director, and Tony Reeves, chief executive of Bradford Council which recently unveiled its £7.7 million Get Bradford Working programme, the biggest local authority back to work scheme in the country.