REPORT BY: TOM SYMONS

KIDS at a Kellogg’s Football Camp in Idle, Bradford, were recently delighted with a surprise visit from newly signed Bradford City AFC squad player, Zac Hadi.

The young goalkeeper, who has been playing at the club since he was nine, signed his first professional contract for the Bantams this year having risen up through the academy.

He offered the 40+ local kids at the camp, taking place at Idle Cricket Club, advice on their footie skills, with the group also enjoying activities led by West Yorkshire Police.

Zac Hadi, Bradford City FC player, said: “"It was great to get down to Idle for the camp today, and to see so many kids here who got free places from Kellogg's! I had a lot of fun answering all sorts of questions in the Q&A and having a kick about!"

The 70+ Kellogg’s Football Camps, taking place across the UK this summer, are hosted by FA-approved coaches, with 30,000 free spaces being offered in the first year. In addition, Bradford City AFC has recently launched a community ticketing initiative to encourage more local people to engage with the club.

Local parent Denis Klyputenko, a driver who lives near the club, has a son (aged 12yrs) who had never been to a football camp before the summer. As well as attending the camps, the Klyputenko family were able to secure tickets for the Bantams’ first home game of the season, through Bradford City AFC Foundation's community ticket scheme.

He said: “Our family has never hugely been into sport, but we spotted the opportunity to redeem a free place with Kellogg’s Football Camps and wanted to get involved as a great way to keep kids entertained during the school break.

“My son has really enjoyed taking part in the last few weeks, meeting new friends whilst staying active.

“We were also thrilled to learn about the community ticket scheme! We have never been to a Bradford City FC game before, so are really excited to cheer the team on this weekend.”

Craig Farrand, Director of Sport at the Bradford City FC Community Foundation, added: “We’re delighted to have welcomed nearly 1,000 children onto the pitch this summer for our Kellogg’s Football Camps here in Bradford.

“We want local families to see the Foundation and the club as something to be proud of and be part of, getting kids involved to show the real value of sport in the community."

“Great to see squad players such as Zac here today to inspire the next generation, but we’re keen to highlight to kids that it’s not about becoming a pro, it’s about having fun.

“We’re proud to have put smiles on many faces over the past couple of months and are already looking forward to bringing the camps back next year.”

For more information on Kellogg’s Football Camps, visit www.kelloggsfc.com.