CITY have announced a substantial two-year deal with Morrisons.

The collaboration will see the launch of the new Morrisons Community Partnership with the Bradford-based supermarket distributing a total of 5,000 free tickets for each season.

For five home matches for each campaign, Morrisons Community champions will ensure tickets for families who have had a challenging year by working with schools and community groups.

Morrisons branding will also be installed inside Valley Parade in the JCT600 family stand – and City merchandise will be available in some stores across the area.

City chief executive Ryan Sparks said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome one of the country’s biggest names to Bradford City as a proud main partner.

“As part of this partnership, Morrisons will be making thousands of tickets available to those in the greatest need, following a challenging 18-month period – the likes of which the vast majority of us have never seen before.

“I would like to congratulate David Longo and our commercial team for getting this partnership off the ground.

“I am excited about its potential for the future as we look to grow and develop with another Bradford-bred powerhouse.”

David Potts, chief executive officer of Morrisons, said: “We are very proud of our Bradford roots and we’re delighted to be partnering with another Bradford-born organisation – particularly because the Bantams have such a strong heritage and links to the community.

“Our community champions will be working with schools and local groups to give tickets to families in Bradford and we hope the opportunity to visit Valley Parade will bring some much-needed excitement to people after such a tough few months.”

It is understood the deal was signed and sealed before Morrisons recently accepted a buy-out from a US investment group.

But both parties wanted to wait until closer to the start of the season before making the announcement.

City commercial director Longo added: “The work Morrisons will be doing through this partnership cannot and will not go unnoticed.

“This partnership represents two proud Bradford businesses coming together to create positive change, not just for one another but for thousands of other people.”

The Morrisons stores selling City merchandise are: Mayo Avenue, E5 at Idle, Thornbury, Victoria Shopping Centre in Young Street and Yeadon.