A new programme to help the district’s sporting youngsters achieve excellence has been launched.

The Sporting Excellence Programme is a partnership between Bradford Council and the charity SportsAid, which provides financial support for emerging talented athletes.

The scheme is the first of its kind and has five elements that aim to provide a package of support to up-and-coming athletes in Bradford.

Three strands of the programme – elite level sport services, disability talent development and a sporting ambassador’s project – have been awarded the prestigious Inspire mark, which recognises innovative and exceptional projects directly inspired by the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The SportsAid partnership began in 2007 and nearly 80 athletes have benefited from around £65,000 of joint funding.

The athletes are generally between the ages of 12 and 18 and compete at national or international level, in sports including cyclo cross, cycling, canoeing, judo, tae-kwando, wrestling, and table tennis.

The Sporting Excellence Programme now offers a sport science support programme of tailored packages for each individual athlete to help with injury prevention, strength and conditioning, sport nutrition and sport psychology.

The scheme will also seek to enhance the opportunities available to emerging disabled athletes and will develop a Sporting Ambassadors project with the athletes.

Councillor, the Reverend Paul Flowers said: “We are delighted to support our young athletes, some of whom may be on their way to the next Olympics.

“These young people are a real inspiration to others and we hope we can help them fulfil their dreams.

“I will really enjoy seeing the athletes fulfil their potential and feel proud that the Council along with SportsAid has helped them on their journey.”

Seb Coe, chairman of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games said: “SportsAid Bactive Sporting Excellence is encouraging young athletes in Bradford to fulfil their potential.

“I am proud that with the help of partners such as Bradford Council and SportsAid we are delivering on our vision to use the power of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games to boost participation in sport.”

Tim Lawler, SportsAid chief executive, said: “We hope this innovative approach to nurturing talent provides some richly deserved recognition for the athletes and inspires their peers and local community to support the future of British sport.”