BOYS from South Asian backgrounds in the district have been given the chance to start their journey to potentially play for Bradford City with a trial held on the doorstep of the club’s stadium.

Bradford City Academy is holding an open trial for players who live within the Bradford district and are of South Asian ethnicity.

The trial is on Thursday, August 18 on the astroturf pitches at the new £1.3 million Midland Road Sports Complex, which will be officially opened later this month.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Humayun Islam, chief executive of BEAP, says the open trials offer a pathway for potential Bantams players of the future from South Asian backgroundsHumayun Islam, chief executive of BEAP, says the open trials offer a pathway for potential Bantams players of the future from South Asian backgrounds

The trials are for boys between the ages of under sevens to u13s (for the 2022-23 season. The trials will cost a fee of £7 per player. Places must be booked in advance; we will not be taking any bookings on the day.

Humayun Islam, chief executive of BEAP where the event will be held, says he hopes the trial day will kickstart the potential for future players from South Asian backgrounds to one day play for the Bantams.

He says he hopes this will be the first of many trials sessions for potential future Bantams stars.

He added next month’s trial will be exclusively for South Asian children, but future sessions will be open to children of all ethnic backgrounds.

Mr Islam said: “It’s really exciting.

It’s a really simple partnership creating this pathway with Bradford City

“It’s a really good opportunity to score a goal or save a goal one day at Bradford City for these children.

 

“The trials are taking place in the heart of the community and a free-kick away from Bradford City.

“A lot of the kids who will not make it will be given other pathways to develop in sport.”

The under sevens trial will take place on the astroturf between 9am and 10am and particpants should arrive no earlier than 8.45am.

The U8s trial will be held between 10.15am and 11.15am, withn players urged to arrive no earlier than 10am.

Under nines can show off their skills for their age group trial from 11.30am and 12.30pm and must arrive no earlier than 11.15am.

U10s will be out to impress City Academy coaches from 1.15pm to 2.15pm and must arrive no earlier than 1pm.

The u11s trial will take place between 2.30pm and 3.30pm and players should arrive no earlier than 2.15pm. The trial day will wrap up with the u12s and u13s trial between 3.45 pm and 4.45pm and participants should arrive no earlier than 3.30pm.

Go to bradfordcityacademy.co.uk/recruitment/trials to book a place.