City's young brigade headed overseas today hoping for a slice of European glory in Germany.

The Bantams are taking part in the 26th international youth tournament in Hamm, battling it out with seven other clubs in the city's twin town.

The 16-man party includes three players who have sat on the bench for the first team, Jake Wright, Danny Ekoku and Kevin Sanasy, pictured, who had a brief run-out against Sheffield United at the end of last season.

Simon Francis is away with England under-18s in the Lisbon tournament in Portugal. Danny Forrest was also left out of the squad for Hamm in case he was called up internationally.

The team left Valley Parade at lunchtime and were due to sail this evening from Newcastle to Amsterdam.

City's opening game is on Saturday morning against Danish side Frem Kopenhagen. They are in a four-team group also featuring SC Preussen Munster and home club Hammer sp Vg 03/04 - who are also celebrating their centenary this season.

The Bantams have been drawn in the easier of the two groups. The other one contains Duisburg, Fortuna Dusseldorf, Slovan Bratislava and LR Ahlen.

City play Hamm on Saturday afternoon and Munster on Sunday. The finals take place the following day.

The trip, sponsored by Sovereign Healthcare, is being led by club secretary Jon Pollard. He said: "It is always an excellent tournament and it will offer the young lads the opportunity to play against different styles."