The under 16's side from Manningham in innner-city Bradford were founded last summer for a one-off game against a Bradford City under 16's outfit, played in front of over 3,000 fans at City's Valley Parade stadium.

The All-Stars, who only had a matter of weeks to prepare for the big contest were beaten 5-1, but are back again this summer and are holding trials once more for another contest at Valley Parade on 9 May, this time against top local club Bradford Park Avenue, who play in the Northern Premier League First Division.

Brainchild

The fixture is once again the brainchild of local community worker and football fanatic Khalil Hussain, who also masterminded the event last summer.

He told Leader: "It's another unbelievable opportunity for the second year running for kids from a disadvantaged area like Manningham to play at a former Premiership ground, which holds over 25,000 and has played host to the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal.

"Unlike last time we won't be playing a City side, instead we'll be wearing the City shirts and playing Bradford Park Avenue, so our lads really do have the chance to play for their home town club – it should be a great day."

Khalil and Bradford Council's community sports training officer Sean Regan have already held trials for this years players and from 56 hopefuls they are already down to 30 which will be reduced to a squad of 18 in the coming weeks.

Talented

Sean says: "We've got some talented players here this time round and a few familiar faces from last year, but we don't have much time to prepare so we have to cut down the squad and then work hard at being ready for the match.

"It's difficult because all the lads want to play so much, but they realise it has to be done and they've all been taking it on the chin.

"Last year the fact that we were playing against a seasoned team really showed in terms of fitness, so we're working the lads pretty hard this time around."
Manager Khalil Hussain, added: "The interest has been massive once again and we've even had three lads catching the train up here from Blackburn.

"They might not be from around here, but we all recognise their enthusiasm and they tell me there are no opportunities like this in their area, so we're happy to have them on board."

One of the Blackburn based players, Omar Mahmood said: "We saw an article on the All Stars in Asian Leader and just thought we'd give Khalil a call – the chance to play at Valley Parade would be awesome and the Mannigham lads have made us all feel welcome at training."

Winning Return

Naveed Hussain, who captained the All Stars last year and is in the running for selection again, says that the team are more prepared this summer and are looking to make a winning return to the stadium.

"I think a few of our lads froze last time, but we've got the experience of being there before. I think we'll be able to give a better performance.

"We've looked good in training and we'll be trying to carry that onto the pitch - we're a lot better than last year."

Asian Leader will be covering the Manningham All Stars every step of the way so you can keep up to date with their progress.

ENDS