Bradford City are exploring the possibility of setting up a multi-million pound youth academy to bring the Bantams in line with their 19 fellow Premiership clubs.

And as part of the plans, chairman Geoffrey Richmond will next month take councillors and officers from Bradford Council on a visit to look at similar schemes set up by Premiership giants Liverpool and Manchester United.

The City chief says the involvement of the local authority is paramount if the Bantams are to launch an academy - a move which Richmond believes will help secure the club's future in the top flight.

He said: "I attended a meeting of all the Premier League clubs earlier this week and it was pointed out very gently that 19 of the 20 clubs have a youth academy. We, of course, are the only club without one.

"I believe that in the short term we will be able to defy the laws of gravity but we have to look to the long term future.

"It would also be a superb training facility for the club, something we do desperately need to improve as a Premiership club.

"This would not just be a facility for Bradford City but one for the whole community. It would be something for everyone and that is why I hope the Council will get involved."

City currently train at Apperley Bridge but an Academy could provide them with excellent facilities both indoor and out.

City will take the delegation to Liverpool and Manchester United on July 30 to examine the impressive facilities which both clubs hope will help secure success in the future.

The Football Association technical director Howard Wilkinson has laid down strict criteria for all clubs wanting to set up a youth academy to develop young soccer talent.

The cost can also vary widely with Liverpool's start-up cost being £15 million while Sheffield Wednesday spent just over £4 m.

Richmond said: "There is nothing like experiencing something first hand and that is why we have organised the visits.

"We need the Council's help with regards land for the academy and there are a number of sites under consideration."

Councillor Barry Thorne (Lab, Keighley West) is the chairman of the Council's leisure and services committee and believes the academy would be a massive boost to the district.

He said: "Sometime ago I had a chat with Ian Greenwood (Council leader) and we both said we would do all we can to help the plans.

"I have been a member of the Council for 25 years and there have been some significant events during that time but nothing on the scale of City's promotion to bring the city together.

"We can also help the club with regards helping them find the funding. There are a number of areas for grants such as the Football Trust and the Single Regeneration Budget - and the club would have a very strong case."

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