Bradford (Park Avenue) sign talented young left back from Leeds United

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The Avenue today confirm the signing of former Leeds United player Matty Downing. The talented left back joins us after spending over 15 years with Leeds. Downing came through the Leeds academy after joining them at 5 years old. A powerful, technically gifted player he will give us options up and down the left flank in both the defensive and attacking thirds. We hope to see the natural ability of Matty as he continues his rehabilitation from a broken leg whilst out on loan, after having fought off competition to sign him this summer.

Matty Downing – 

I’m buzzing to have been given the opportunity to join BPA for the next season. After speaking to people at the club, family and friends, the chance to get on board with the club’s plans is one that really excites me. I have played with and against a few of the players previously and heard great things about working with Mark and Danny. I’m looking forward to getting started with lads and hopefully making a good impression.’

Mark Bower –

Matty is a player who was highly regarded throughout his many years at Leeds United and we are delighted he has signed for The Avenue. Being naturally left sided, Matty gives balance to the squad. When speaking with Matty it was clear he has the determination and ambition to be an asset to us. As we have done so many times in the past with players who have had setbacks, we will work with him and give him the platform to showcase his abilities.’

Andy Gray – former Coach at Leeds United, and footballer

Matty is a modern day full back as he is equally adept going forward as he defensively, he has fantastic energy and desire to get up and down the pitch and he produces quality delivery in the final third.’

Welcome Matty and #UTA

Don’t forget The Development Funds player sponsorship scheme is now up and running. It costs just £60 to sponsor a player either home or away so get in quick before he gets snatched up, a number of players have already gone!! To sponsor a player signed for the club for next season please click here and fill out the player sponsorship form.

David Bruce Makes Sizeable Donation For Horsfall Stadium Development

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Bradford (Park Avenue) FC and The Horsfall Community Stadium would like to thank long serving fan David Bruce for his sizeable donation that has funded and part funded some developments in the stadium.

David Bruce (pictured) said, “I am delighted to have funded the white pitch side perimeter fence at Bradford (Park Avenue) FC and also to have part funded the new security fence that is going into the stadium this Summer. As a supporter of the club for over 50 years it’s great that Gareth has finally been able to obtain the new Lease, 3G pitch and commission the new Stadium Security Fence. Up the Avenue!”.

David was presented with his new season ticket by Neil Fawcett. Neil is a very well-known ambassador for Bradford (Park Avenue) FC with many years’ kind voluntary service. He continues to help with so much at the Club.

Horsfall Pitch Update – Day 4

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Well it’s Day 4 of the building of the new 3G pitch at the Horsfall Stadium and we are all very excited. Unfortunately the great British weather slowed progress today.

Building work started on Monday and anyone who has seen the pictures on our website will see that good progress has been made already. We hope the surface will be ready by September 1 for community use, friendlies and matches for Bradford (Park Avenue) FC, and for Rugby clubs and other community uses. You’ll have seen our hopes for West Bowling ARLFC to relocate here, and all other rugby union and rugby league clubs are welcome to book and speak with us too – just call us on the contact emails below. By the time the pitch is ready, we hope also to have agreed some improvements to the Athletics facilities which will be built by December latest.

The site is now a construction site with all associated Health and Safety requirements, so please do not try to come into the Stadium area or interrupt workers. If you wish to view progress or take pictures, this can easily be done from Park Road which sits on high ground overlooking the whole Stadium.

The work is now possible because late last Friday 12 June, Bradford Council completed a 35-year lease with Bradford (Park Avenue) AFC CIC, and with a Licence to do these works.

There are now two major ‘sides’ to the ongoing football and wider community and stadium projects. The Stadium and Community side is run by Mark Leadbeater, the Stadium Operations Manager. Mark can be contacted at mleadbeater@live.com. The Stadium and Community side is expected shortly to be governed under a Management Agreement from BPA FC as Leaseholder, and the new Horsfall Community Stadium CIC (HCS) will manage and operate the Stadium facilities on behalf of BPAFC as the Leaseholder. HCS is a subsidiary of The Horsfall Community Trust which is Chaired by Robert Clunas.

The football club side is governed by its Directors. These are Gareth Roberts, John Dean and (subject to final ratification) David Little, who has already been Company Secretary for a couple of years. The football operations are led on the Directors’ behalf by Martin Knight, the BPA Director of Football Operations. Martin can be contacted at m.a.knight@hotmail.com.

So please direct any Stadium or Community matters to Mark, and any football-specific matters to Martin.

Our Press Release of Friday 12 June celebrates the long-awaited completion of the Lease and confirms that we are committed to the building of the pitch, and of the new Security Fence that will go around the stadium area. Gareth is putting in hundreds of thousands of pounds at present to help build a sustainable financial future for Bradford Park Avenue (the football Club) and the Horsfall community project more widely. The 3G pitch is of course an obvious example of how the income and cost balance now shifts considerably in our favour. We are also grateful for the support of the Football Stadia Improvement Fund, and we hope more partners will be on board for further developments.

We look forward to serving the Bradford and Calderdale area well over the coming years and for football, rugby, athletics and many other activities to thrive here and throughout our local community. As ever, it’s “Up the Avenue!”.

We will update you again before the end of June.

Bradford (Park Avenue) today bolstered their off the field team with the addition of Calum Cullen as Football Operations Manager.

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Cullen is joining the club as it embarks on an ambitious restructure of its entire set up, from 1st team right the way down to its under 5’s junior section. There will be a vast amount of work to get through from an operational and process perspective, something acknowledged by the clubs ownership, and demonstrated by their support of this appointment.

On a day to day basis, Cullen will be helping with the football administration, club shop, program production and supporting the club secretary and directors. He will also be part of the Academy team as we seek to deliver a multi age, fully inclusive proposition for all the people of Bradford and the surrounding area.

Cullen brings an understanding of what it takes to run an amateur football club, having set up the football group Friends of FC; a collection of teams that spreads the length and breadth of Leeds. This knowledge of grass roots, financially prudent, planning and execution will help fill some of the experience gaps to our existing management team.

Calum Cullen –

‘I am delighted to be here, and grateful for the opportunity and faith shown in me by Martin and Gareth. Even though we are still affected by Covid-19, there is lots to be getting on with and I am looking forward to the challenge’.

‘The dream has always been to work full-time within the game and when the offer came, it was an easy decision for me to come work at a club with a great history, loyal fanbase and, with the new lease, an unbelieve amount of potential’.

Martin Knight –

Calum will bring to the table a new set of skills having set up his own club from scratch. We will need his ‘can do’ attitude and energy as we start the journey to make the club a self sustaining, 5* experience for all of our, fans, players, students, parents and staff. He brings new ideas and perspective, something I hope will help us achieve our goals and hopes for the club on and off the field. I hope that we can all extend to Calum the same friendly Bradfordian welcome that I have received.’

#UTA

National League Statement | Ordinary Resolution Supported By Clubs

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Bradford (Park Avenue) have today received the long awaited confirmation that our National League North status is secured for the 2020-21 season.

Please see below the full statement from the National League:

Following a vote by all member Clubs, and subject to FA Council approval, the Vanarama National League, Vanarama National League North and Vanarama National League South seasons 2019/20 will be concluded with final league tables compiled on an “Unweighted Points Per Game” basis.

The outcome is Barrow AFC are champions of the Vanarama National League, King’s Lynn Town are champions of Vanarama National League North and Wealdstone are champions of Vanarama National League South.

The end of season Play-Offs will now proceed with the Clubs that qualify, subject to the competition rules and the applicable government guidance on the phased return of elite sport.

The number of Clubs to be relegated from the Vanarama National League will be determined so as to maintain a National Division of 24 Clubs after any relegation from EFL League Two, promotion to EFL League Two and promotion from the National League North and National League South divisions. There shall be no relegation from Vanarama National League North and Vanarama National League South.

Chief Executive Officer Michael Tattersall commented: “I congratulate each of our champions Clubs on their successful campaigns. The enforced curtailment of our season does nothing to discredit the quality of the football played and I am pleased that our Clubs have overwhelmingly supported the award of their titles. We can now also look towards the completion of end of season Play-Offs.”

Notes:

National League Clubs were asked to support an Ordinary Resolution to conclude the season with final leagues tables compiled on an “Unweighted Points Per Game” basis. The resolution received the support of a significant majority of member Clubs in each division.

“Unweighted Points Per Game” is defined as: 
The method for calculating the final points total of each Club in the Division concerned, calculated in accordance with the following formula, rounding the final points total up to three decimal places:

PT * LMS = Final Points Total
___
CM

Where “PT” means a Club’s points total in the 2019/20 Season at the point when the Competition was suspended on 16 March 2020.

Where “CM” means the number of Competition Matches a Club has played in the 2019/20 Season at the point the Competition was suspended on 16 March 2020.

Horsfall Pitch Update – Days 1 & 2

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Following the recent news that the club has finally secured a 35 year lease on the Horsfall Stadium. The club can officially confirm that work has started on replacing the playing surface with a state of the art 3G pitch ahead of next season.

The Horsfall is officially a construction site with contractors and machinery making light work of removing the turf from the pitch in preparation of drainage work commencing.

The club will continue to provide a daily update so supporters can keep updated on progress on the long awaited redevelopment of the Horsfall Stadium.

Flying winger with an eye for goal, returns to the Avenue with a point to prove

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Brad Dockerty has put pen to paper on a new one year deal with the Avenue, with an option for a second year. Brad originally joined The Avenue at the beginning of last season, Mark Bower had originally set up the deal with Hemsworth prior to his summer departure on the back of two incredible seasons for The Wells scoring 40 goals and making 34 assists from the wing.

Dockerty started his Bradford (Park Avenue) career strongly with 3 goals from 5 starts, with a further 9 appearances from the bench, and all that during the difficult start to last season. Unfortunately as the club stabilised with the re-appointment of the man (Mark Bower) responsible for his recruitment in the first place, there was a large change in working circumstances that meant it would be difficult for Brad to play and train with us. A Loan to Pontefract for what remained of the 19/20 season brought another 3 goals in 16 games.

After some discussions with his family and Mark, Brad wants to return to the Horsfall and commit fully for the season and see where his talent can take him and the club.

Brad Dockerty –

‘I’m really excited to be back at BPA, due to my work commitments last year cutting my spell short, I’m delighted to be given another chance to play at this level under Mark and Bosh. I enjoyed the time here last year and when Mark phoned me, it was a no brainer, to return and test myself. Hopefully I can impress, score a few goals and help the club back to where it wants to be.’

Mark Bower –

‘It is a real positive that Brad has agreed to extend his stay with us. Brad showed his potential early last season with his quality, pace and eye for goal. Unfortunately work commitments limited Brad’s involvement later in the season, however he is now in a position to fully commit to the training and travel required and we look forward to working with him, with the aim of helping him reach his full potential with us.’

#UTA

Don’t forget The Development Funds player sponsorship scheme is now up and running. It costs just £60 to sponsor a player either home or away so get in quick before he gets snatched up, a number of players have already gone!! To sponsor a player signed for the club for next season please click here and fill out the player sponsorship form.

Bradford (Park Avenue) AFC CIC completes 35-year Lease for The Horsfall Community Stadium Development in South Bradford.

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Bradford (Park Avenue) AFC CIC football club in Bradford, West Yorkshire, has today completed a deal with the City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council to take a 35-year Lease to the Council property, the Horsfall Stadium in South Bradford. The Club has been based at Horsfall Stadium for some years, but now this provides a permanent home for the Club. It enables the Club to maintain, repair and develop the facilities to create an increasingly improving experience for users. It is hoped that West Bowling ARLFC will soon also relocate to the Stadium, while retaining their current access to Emsley Recreation Ground. The Stadium will continue to be the base for Bradford Airedale Athletics Club and there are plans to invest in the athletics facilities too.

The Horsfall Community Stadium Development Project has long been a dream of Director, Gareth Roberts, who continues to invest heavily in the Club. The completion of the Lease enables work to start on the long-awaited new 3G artificial grass pitch and new site boundary security fencing around the Stadium area. The new security fence and gating system will help protect the new infrastructure. The fencing is being in part grant-aided by the Football Stadia Improvement Fund (FSIF). As sister organisation of the Football Foundation, the FSIF are the largest funders of non-league football in the country.

Once work gets under way, this opens the door to potential further developments in months to come. These depend on all partners being happy with the additional plans and funding arrangements.

The immediate developments will enable greater community use of the Stadium from the public and from organisations in many sports. It will also allow more opportunity for the football club to accommodate and develop its academy, junior and ladies’ teams at the stadium itself. All our club affiliated teams have had to play away from Horsfall Stadium over the years due to insufficient facilities. This much-needed investment will enable the football club to develop the whole playing pyramid from grass-roots to senior football at the club and provide a better experience for users and public. 

Gareth Roberts, the Club’s owner and long-time benefactor, said:

“We would like to thank the FSIF and the Premier League for their assistance in helping us create an improved venue. It is part of our broader plan to create a sporting hub at Horsfall Stadium that will be of benefit for years to come with a focus on improving both the Club and grassroots sport in the community, within the Bradford area. We hope to have further developments in due course.”

Bower excited by ‘National League stand out player’ signing

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Bradford (Park Avenue) can confirm the signing of Jake Hibbs on a one year deal with the option for a second. After starting his career with Manchester City U18’s, Jake eventually found himself at Halifax Town, where he played 57 times for them in the National League. He capped his time there by helping them win the FA trophy at Wembley, with a dominating display in a 1-0 win over Grimsby Town.

Jake left Halifax for Spennymoor in 18/19 season, the move was unfortunately dogged by injury and playing in his less favoured role of Right Back. This led to him taking loan spells at Buxton and latterly with the Avenue last season where he started 9 times in his preferred role.

A dynamic box to box midfielder with strong technical skill, Jake is the perfect blend of talent, experience and potential. We look forward to Jake showing us exactly what made him hot property during his time at Halifax with an extended run in the Avenue engine room.

Mark Bower –

We are delighted to secure the signing of Jake Hibbs on a permanent basis following his loan spell with us. Jake put in some strong performances for us last season and we are looking forward to helping him push on and fulfil his undoubted potential.

Jake was a stand out player in The National League a few years ago whilst at Halifax, but has had a frustrating time more recently. We believe Jake has the potential to reach and surpass the standards he has set in the past and the key for him joining us was our determination to help him achieve this by playing him regularly in his strongest position in a style of play that suits his attributes.‘

Jake Hibbs –

When the opportunity came up to sign for BPA it was a no brainer for me really, having worked with Mark and Danny before. I’ve always enjoyed my time playing for them and feel that they can bring the best out of me by having a full season with them. Obviously last season was a bit of a strange one, both personally and for football in general, but the time I spent on loan at Bradford has made my decision really easy to join for the upcoming season. Looking at the players we have already signed it looks like its going to be an exciting season on the pitch, so I’m really looking forward to getting started and meeting the lads again.’

#UTA

Don’t forget The Development Funds player sponsorship scheme is now up and running. It costs just £60 to sponsor a player either home or away so get in quick before he gets snatched up, a number of players have already gone!! To sponsor a player signed for the club for next season please click here and fill out the player sponsorship form.