CHRIS Brass will be hoping his players bend over backwards and stretch every sinew in their quest for promotion next season.

And, perhaps to emphasise that point, the York City player-manager has agreed to hour-long yoga sessions at Bootham Crescent.

Manchester United, Crystal Palace and Ipswich Town already include yoga as part of their training routines and local instructor Rob Leadley offered his services to the Minstermen at the end of last season.

And, having enjoyed a trial session organised by City fitness coach Kevin Hornsby, Brass and his team are keen to practice yoga as a way to recover from and relax after matches.

Leadley is hoping to improve the players' physical and mental conditions and said: "Yoga is used extensively in America with their football teams. It's a bit more of a rugged game over there but it helps with general flexibility and recovering from injury.

"It involves all types of cross-over training and also helps strengthen hamstrings and knees, which are two parts of the body in which footballers are particularly prone to injury. We will be working on awareness exercises so they are in the zone to use a clich.

"We want them to be aware of their body and what's going on around them on the pitch. We will work on visualisation and confidence and it will be an ongoing development."

Leadley has been invited to hold classes with players on the day after games but he is also hoping that the players will practice yoga by themselves as preparation to matches.

He said: "The players' attitude has been excellent. Sometimes, with footballers, it can be a little difficult to get them into new ways of training but the feedback from the club has been really good which bodes well for the future.

"Once they get to know the methods and movements it will be easier because they can then practice it at home before a match. You can use it in all areas mentally and physically.

"I contacted Kevin Hornsby originally and he's open to bringing other aspects into the club's training programme. We had a trial session and they enjoyed it so we will carry it on through the year mostly after matches when you can get rid of lactic acid by stretching and getting blood back into the muscle areas."

City boss Brass missed out on this week's class as he rested a slight groin strain but he is ready to embracing yoga as part of the club's training regime next season, saying: "I think the one thing footballers, in general, neglect is stretching. We do some but, compared to other athletes, I don't think we are as advanced and yoga improves your flexibility.

"The first session met with a good response from the players so we will be doing it for as long as we feel it is of benefit."

Leadley holds yoga sessions at the Clifton Moor Church and Community Centre, St Geroges School, the Moat House and Next Generation Club. Call him on 01904 632104 for more details.

Updated: 11:11 Friday, July 30, 2004