Bradford Bulls' winning ways are to expand to a new foundation which will boost community sporting activities throughout the UK.

Sports Minister Richard Caborn was at Odsal stadium yesterday to kick off the new Bradford Bulls Foundation.

Crowds gathered at the Coral stand to mark the start of the charity which aims to push the club's community work into another league. Mr Caborn, Minister for Sport and Tourism, said he was delighted to be in Bradford for the start of the project.

"Bradford Bulls show what's best in sport and rugby league," he said. "In 1995 the club set up its community development team and now they have proved they are second to none." He said he was also pleased the project would help to encourage people to take up sport and lead a healthy lifestyle.

The foundation will build on the success of the club's award-winning community development project and chalkboard project - after-school lessons at the club which started in 2001 to help drive up performance in maths, English and science.

It will allow the club to apply for charitable grants to support a variety of projects focusing on education, health and well-being, social inclusion, social cohesion and civic pride.

Hosted by proud Bradfordian, BBC Look North's Christa Ackroyd, the event included speeches by Bradford Bulls chairman Chris Caisley and head Bulls and Great Britain coach Brian Noble.

"It's an important step in the development of the club as well as the holistic approach to the community, to Bradford and the rest of the country," said Mr Noble.

Mr Caisley said sporting heroes acted as perfect role models to encourage people to get involved with their work. "Sport stars can operate more successfully than anyone else in energising people, inspiring people and helping people while targeting the issues we will be looking at, such as lifestyle, health and education," he said.

West Yorkshire's Chief Constable Colin Cramphorn said he was privileged to be asked to be the Foundation's chairman.

"There is not an area of business that cannot be touched in some way and it's a great opportunity for everyone to get involved," he said.

"This is a good news story and it gives people confidence in Bradford to see good things are coming out of Bradford."

David Gent, of Sport England, was also there to support the scheme and said he hoped it would encourage more youngsters to get involved with sport.