Youngsters throughout Bradford are being urged to take part in the Telegraph & Argus Junior Football League - a new venture aimed at taking thousands of children off street corners and on to the playing fields.

For the first time, local children will have organised Saturday football leagues to play in. And the season kicks off in just a few weeks' time!

In previous years, young stars of the future have had to play on Sundays and travel to the far reaches of the Craven, Leeds or Harrogate leagues.

League president David Musgrove said: "There are many children throughout Bradford screaming to play organised football on a Saturday.

"In areas like Buttershaw, Ravenscliffe, East and West Bowling and Lidget Green, you can see children kicking the ball around aimlessly.

"There is a lot of talent out there. And here is the opportunity to get together to form teams. The pitches are available and we now have the backing to set-up well run, properly organised leagues for under-11s, under-13s and under-15s.

"Up to now there has been no organised football available for children in Bradford on a Saturday. We have pitches available at Avenue Road, Peel Park and Apperley Bridge.

"These new leagues are for Bradford-based teams. Players will not have to travel far."

League organisers are also urging former players to put something back into the game by starting up teams to play in the new leagues.

"Some of these older players end up watching City, going to the pub or shopping on a Saturday. This often leaves children on the streets," said Musgrove.

"If these children are guided in the right direction, they could go on to play in the senior leagues and possibly on to the bigger clubs in the area such as Eccleshill, Thackley, and Bradford Park Avenue."

The Bradford and District FA have given the Telegraph & Argus Junior Football League their full approval. Recently the T&A joined forces with the Bradford and District FA to produce the hugely successful Junior World Cup five-a-side tournament at Rawdon Meadows, Apperley Bridge. Several teams from that event have already shown interest in joining the new 11-a-side leagues.

The new junior leagues will come under the rules of the old Grattan League, which has now become the Telegraph & Argus Football League.

The league will appoint referees and, if necessary, make arrangements for a ground.

The cost for the ground for a season will be kept to a minimum. It will be the teams' responsibility but the cost can be paid on a monthly or quarterly basis. Graham Atkins from Bradford Leisure, Arts and Heritage has agreed to keep the cost down to £50 for the season - and that includes pitch, groundsman, and changing facilities.

For the first season, teams will only pay a £10 entry fee. Referees have agreed an all-in £12 fee.

So parents, youth leaders, community workers - if you want to join in, fill in the form on this page and return it with the fee to Stuart Binns, league secretary, 11 Heathmoor Close, Bradford BD10 8QE.

If you want more information, ring David Musgrove on 01274 638548 or Stuart Binns on 01274 418774.

The Telegraph & Argus will be following the progress of the new leagues

throughout the season with reports and photographs.