As we move into the closing stages of the season, we want to take the opportunity to provide an update to supporters and to reaffirm our shared focus as a football club.
On the pitch, our priority is clear. Everyone at Bradford (Park Avenue) is fully focused on finishing in a play-off position and giving ourselves the best possible chance of promotion. Players, staff, volunteers and management are aligned in that ambition, and our energy is firmly on finishing the season as strongly as we can.
Support at Horsfall is crucial. Horsfall Community Stadium is a place where we all belong and everyone connected to the club is united and fully behind the team. We absolutely recognise that supporters are entitled to their opinions. Football of course is built on passion and debate. However, there is a clear line between opinion and abuse. Targeted or personal abuse towards players, staff, volunteers or officials will not be tolerated either in person or online.
These individuals give an enormous amount to this club, often behind the scenes, and deserve respect. We ask everyone to play their part in making Horsfall a place where we are all in it together. Every football team has its ups and downs throughout a season. There’s no entitlement to win every game, we have to work hard and earn three points on a match-day, just like the recent victory against Matlock Town. You may have heard Craig’s post-match reaction on Tuesday, it’s important we stick together as a collective, both on off the field. Let’s give Craig and the boys all our support for what looks to be an exciting run in.
Planning for the future is already underway. While the immediate focus is on the play-offs, the club is also working hard behind the scenes to prepare for next season. This includes discussions around commercial partnerships and sponsorships, pre-season schedule as well as detailed planning for the playing squad under different scenarios.
Whether Plan A or Plan B, the aim is to ensure the club is well-prepared, sustainable and competitive. We have recently signed off on our new kit designs for 2026/27 season after a lot of discussions and planning with Capelli Sports. We have listened to your feedback regarding the away kit colours and I’m sure you will agree the new designs are an absolute beauty – all will be revealed in pre-season.
We have seen some recent uptake on our match day sponsorship packages. Please get in touch with thomas.stevens@bpafc.com if you wish to sponsor a game this season or next. There are many other sponsorship opportunities available so get in touch for more information. You can also show your support by popping into the newly developed club shop which is now superbly managed by our latest volunteer recruit, Hayley, who will be sure to provide you with a warm welcome.
Our role in the community remains vital.
Bradford (Park Avenue) is more than just a first team. Our ongoing community work through the foundation, youth development, and local partnerships continues to be a core part of who we are. Our work with West Yorkshire Police has seen us engage over 100 young people via our anti-knife crime programmes.
Our new partnership with Leeds Bradford Airport includes a 6m x 3m billboard to visibly share our community brand. We have mobilised women-only sessions, and our partnership with Rotary and the Youth Service has engaged over 200 young people in weekly drop-in football sessions. This commitment remains central to the club’s long-term vision.
Finally, we want to thank the many supporters who continue to back the club in the right way, home and away. Your support matters, and together we can make the final weeks of the season something to be proud of both on and off the pitch.
We move forward together.
Tom McStravick
Bradford (Park Avenue) AFC
Sporting & Executive Director