A pioneering community project which played a key role in the revival of Bradford City Football Club has been nominated for a prestigious award.

The Bantams' Community Development Programme was started in August 2004 on the same day as administrators were called in to save the ailing club.

Since then, the scheme, run with the help of academics and students at Leeds Metropolitan University, has played a major role in improving the lives of fans, young and old, throughout the city.

Despite the initiative coming to an end in July this year, the project has been recognised by the Times Higher Awards 2006.

Leeds Metropolitan University has been shortlisted in the awards' Outstanding Contribution to the Local Community category for its work with the club.

David Ward, who was seconded from the university to work as a community development officer at Bradford City alongside university students, said: "The award is very prestigious and it is very difficult to even get on the shortlist - so we are delighted.

"In addition to the work done by the board to try to stabilise the club, I think that the community programme made a contribution to making the club more inclusive."

The initiative was the driving force behind some 18 projects and attracted funding of around £450,000.

Schemes set-up included the Positive Lifestyle Centre, which ran classes on healthy eating, bullying and improving self-esteem, and the Learning Centre, which hosted extra-curricular activities for 5,500 youngsters from throughout the district.

The scheme also included the Bantams B-Active Community Football Scheme in tandem with Bradford Council and Carlton Bolling College and the first Bradford City FC community open day was held earlier this year.

The highlight of the open day saw a Bradford City Select under-16s team take on the Manningham All Stars, a team chosen from hundreds of boys in the community.

Recognising the university's contribution to the Bradford City Community Development Programme, a spokesman for the Times Higher supplement said: "Leeds Metropolitan University experts helped lift the club up out of financial ruin two years ago and its students have helped facilitate a radical reform of the club's image and restored it to its place as a positive, cohesive force at the heart of the community."

Bradford City FC vice-chairman Jim Brown said: "To be nominated for an award like this is a reflection of the hard work put in by David and the students at the university.

"I think everybody in the community is aware of the impact the scheme has had.

"It has been very positive for the club and Leeds Metropolitan University did very well for us."

Mr Brown said the club would look to continue its community scheme "subject to finances".