Bradford Bulls today kicked off a pioneering scheme aimed at giving disadvantaged people in the city a sporting chance of success.

It is the first rugby league operation to win a European Regional Development Fund grant. The project will see the Bulls train 20 people as qualified sports teachers.

Organisers today announced they had been awarded £200,000 to support the scheme, which will target the unemployed, disadvantaged and disaffected.

Each of the candidates, chosen through a number of selection events, will take part in a two-year training course leading to an NVQ Level 2 qualification.

As well as applying to the scheme directly, candidates will also be nominated to the Bulls by various agencies such as the police, education authority, job centres and community organisations. Stuart Duffy, media manager for Bradford Bulls, said: "Qualified community staff will deliver sporting and creative workshops from the Bulls throughout the district of Bradford.

"They will target over 400 people of whom 20 will have the opportunity to become sport educators for the leisure industry and the game of rugby league."

The successful students could then have the chance to take up sports and leisure-related jobs as well as supporting important community projects.

During the full-time course, the students will spend their time between the Bulls' Odsal base and its various projects at schools and other centres where they can obtain "hands on" experience.

"The whole idea is that they can return to the community and put something back," said Mr Duffy.

He said those chosen would become role models for others from deprived areas and highlight the fact that sporting activity can cut levels of crime and bring a more positive outlook on life.

Chris Caisley, chairman of Bradford Bulls, said: "This is our way of putting into the community the expertise we have to offer within the sport of rugby league.

"We are a national sport and the fact that Europe has recognised and supports our commitment to sport and community initiatives concludes that our expertise, determination and commitment from within the club doesn't just stop at the touchline."

He added: "I believe that sporting organisations such as the Bulls have a moral responsibility to put something back into the community.

"I believe we are second to none at doing this, not only in rugby league but with sporting organisations across the country."

He highlighted other community schemes run by the Bulls, such as drugs awareness projects.

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