OK it’s not as exciting as Northern Premier League East but that other competition, the Premier League, kicks off again on Friday 15 August when the title holders Liverpool entertain Bournemouth.
Now in its sixth season, the BPA Development Fund is once again running a Fantasy Premier League game.
Don’t know what Fantasy Premier League is? To find out, follow the link
All we ask is that you make a donation, either a one off or a regular one, of whatever amount you want, to the Development Fund. The bank details are
BPA Development Fund
Sort 05 02 00
Account 29955993
Reference FPL
Are there any prizes? The elusive Eckerslike family puts up a monthly prize. Though in the entire history of the game nobody has ever won it. Could you be the first? Apart from that it’s just bragging rights.
Joining the league couldn’t be easier. Simply use the link below and you’ll be added automatically after you’ve entered the game and picked your squad.
Our first home league programme of the 2025/26 season lands under the Horsfall lights tonight (Tuesday 12 August, 7:45pm KO) — packed with fresh features, club insight, and opposition coverage.
Inside this issue
From the Boardroom — Paul Armitage on the value of a proper printed programme, community focus, and a little tip: check the back page for a free hot drink offer at the Tuck Shop with your programme.
Manager’s Musings — Craig Elliott reflects on a resolute opening-day draw at Matlock, two clean sheets from two, and the push for our first home league win tonight.
Secretary’s Section — Holleigh Farrington on early-season rhythm, the work behind the scenes, and making Horsfall a tough place to visit.
Sporting Direction — Thomas McStravick on sustainability, community as a pillar of success, and lessons from community-driven clubs, plus encouraging signs in the club’s trajectory.
Development Fund — Dates and details for the beer festival, pig racing evening, and the sportsman’s dinner with Carlton Palmer — plus how supporters can get involved.
Media Perspective — Launch notes from AvenueOnAir on Mixlr, with 168 unique listeners and 91 total listener hours recorded on opening day, and an update on our Avenue Trading Cards.
Opponent Coverage — Emley AFC club history, honours and “Insider” squad guide to the key names you’ll see tonight.
Avenue Archives — Tim Clapham on McLean brothers and classic FA Cup chapters; John Rhodes’ “Back in Time” photo features.
Reserves & Scholars — Owen Murphy’s notes on a strong pre-season, the first competitive reserves fixture, and academy progress.
Community Direction — Launch of our Where We All Belong disability multisport sessions (free, fully funded) from Monday 25 August, 4:45–6:00pm at Horsfall, plus summer camp highlights and our new LocalGiving page.
Commercial Direction — Sponsorship packages, the newly named James Mae Group Hospitality Suite, and how local businesses can connect with the club.
You’ll also find photo spreads, player & staff sponsors, stats & fixtures, “Get It Signed!” pages and more — all wrapped in a green-and-white design with space to record results.
Get yours tonight
Programmes will be available in the Clubhouse at tonight’s match, with an exclusive Avenue Trading Card included in every copy. This week’s card features Charlie Winfield — don’t miss it!
The Green Army return to the Horsfall Stadium on Tuesday night for our first home league fixture of the 2025/26 season, welcoming Emley AFC under the lights.
Craig Elliott’s side began the campaign with a hard-fought 0-0 draw away at Matlock Town on the opening day, showing defensive resilience and glimpses of attacking intent. They’ll now be aiming to build on that performance and secure three points in front of the home crowd.
Emley started their season in impressive fashion, recording a 3-0 home win over Silsden. Laurence Joshua Sorhaindo struck twice in the first half (12’, 24’ pen) before Belchior Rodrigues Pires Papa added a third on 66 minutes to seal the victory. That result will give the Pewits confidence heading into Tuesday’s clash.
💷 Bring a Mate for £1!
We’re pleased to launch a special offer for this fixture – Season Ticket Holders can bring friends for just £1 each!
Season Ticket Holder must show their season ticket at the turnstile.
Mates must be admitted with the Season Ticket Holder.
No limit on the number of mates – bring as many as you like, as long as the group enters together.
Match Details:
📅 Tuesday 12th August
⏰ 7:45pm Kick-Off
📍 Horsfall Stadium, BD6 2NG
💷 Admission Prices
£10 Adults / Concessions
£5 Students / Blue Light / Forces (ID required)
£3 Youth (12-17)
£1 Under 12s
🎟 Tickets
Pay on the gate (Cash or Card) or purchase in advance here:
With our Bring a Mate for £1 offer, affordable prices, and a family-friendly atmosphere, there’s no better time to get behind the team and show your support for the Green Army.
Bradford (Park Avenue) kick off the 2025/26 Northern Premier League East Division season this Saturday with an away trip to Matlock Town.
Craig Elliott’s side make the journey to Derbyshire aiming to build on a positive pre-season and make a strong start to the new league campaign.
Match Details Fixture: Matlock Town vs Bradford (Park Avenue) AFC Date: Saturday 9th August Kick-Off: 3:00pm Venue: The Proctor Cars Stadium, Causeway Lane, Matlock, DE4 3AR
Matlock Town were relegated from the Northern Premier League Premier Division at the end of last season, following a difficult campaign that included a late points deduction and changes in management. They now begin life in Division One East.
Supporter Travel The coach to Matlock is now fully booked. The club would like to thank the Development Fund for subsidising the cost of travel and helping fans get behind the team.
Live Commentary on AvenueOnAir If you can’t make the trip, you won’t miss out — AvenueOnAir, our brand-new commentary service, makes its debut this Saturday on Mixlr.
We’re pleased to confirm the launch of our brand-new live commentary platform — AvenueOnAir, hosted on Mixlr and fully funded by the Green Army.
Starting with our 2025/26 season opener, supporters near and far will be able to tune in for live matchday commentary, bringing all the action from the Horsfall and beyond straight to their speakers.
Following a successful first season of online commentaries via our X channel, this move to Mixlr allows for a more stable and accessible listening experience — all under one dedicated audio platform.
Main commentator Lewis Sale returns for another campaign and shared his thoughts ahead of the launch:
“I’m delighted to continue the matchday commentaries for the club during the 2025-26 season. The club’s reach stretches far and wide, across the globe and through the live match commentaries, we’re able to offer a much-needed service to supporters who are unable to attend matches in person.
Last season, we saw some great numbers through our X channel and hopefully we can increase our audience this campaign. We also had some fantastic messages of support from listeners, and this is always appreciated.
Importantly, the commentaries help spread the word about our club too, and hopefully, I’ll be commentating on a successful season for the Green Army!”
A huge thank you goes out to all supporters and contributors who are making this possible — your continued backing allows us to improve how we connect with fans across the city, the country, and the world.
Whether you’re tuning in from Bradford or Brisbane, make sure to follow AvenueOnAir and never miss a kick.
Bradford (Park Avenue) AFC begin their 2025/26 campaign with an Emirates FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round tie this Saturday, 2nd August, as Craig Elliott’s side welcome Mossley AFC to the Horsfall Community Stadium (3pm kick-off).
It marks the club’s first competitive outing of the season, following a productive pre-season schedule which concluded with an entertaining 3-2 victory over a Bradford City XI.
Reflecting on the performance and the build-up to the new season, First Team Manager Craig Elliott was pleased with both the result and the team’s progression.
“Great game – a lot of chances,” said Elliott post-match. “To come back from two goals down was pleasing. I thought it were a little harsh on us to be trailing at the break. We created some fantastic opportunities and actually played well in the first half.”
“It was about resilience – and I said that to the lads at half-time. We might have to show that during the season and we did all the things I want to see. So I’m really pleased with the way it ended and it finishes our pre-season on a very positive note.”
The attention now turns to the FA Cup – a competition Elliott admits brings with it both excitement and pressure.
“We’ve had a really positive pre-season overall – the players have trained well, and we’ve not done too badly on the injury front,” he said. “There’s no room for error in the FA Cup, but we’re excited now to get going. I think we’re very much ready for it.”
While defender Dan Francis picked up a shoulder injury in midweek and a couple of players are managing minor knocks, the squad remains in a strong position heading into the weekend.
“We’ve got a really good group of lads,” Elliott added. “I’m just really positive. It’s a hard start to the season, but one we’re looking forward to.”
Matchday Information Bradford (Park Avenue) AFC vs Mossley AFC 🗓 Saturday 2nd August 🕒 Kick-Off: 3:00pm 📍 Horsfall Community Stadium, BD6 2NG
🎫 Season Ticket Flash Sale: From 1:30pm to 5:30pm on Saturday only, supporters will have a final chance to purchase their season ticket at early bird prices. Available in person at the stadium.
Let’s pack out the Horsfall and back the lads as the new season begins!
Bradford (Park Avenue)’s Scholars opened their pre-season campaign with a confident 3-1 victory over Hartlepool United, in a performance that combined structure, pressing, and clinical finishing.
Goals from Rico Feltham and a brace from David Nsingi saw Avenue’s academy side start their summer preparations on the front foot.
Reflecting on the match, Academy Manager Owen Murphy praised both the result and the effort on show, especially given the mixed group involved due to player unavailability:
“Today’s game against Hartlepool was our first outing this pre-season for the academy. We put out a mixed group of players due to some being away on holiday. Hartlepool were a good footballing side which proved a tough test for the boys, but a test they came through very well.”
Murphy highlighted the players’ off-season commitment, with many already active through involvement in the reserves or at external semi-professional clubs. Despite Hartlepool’s early control of possession, Avenue’s Scholars were solid out of possession and difficult to break down.
The opening goal came via midfielder Rico Feltham, whose finish capitalised on structured play and effective pressing. The second goal followed shortly after the break, as David Nsingi forced a turnover and finished well to double the lead.
Although Hartlepool pulled one back after a defensive lapse, Nsingi restored the two-goal cushion with a standout strike from distance to round off a strong individual display.
“After this the game was done and the lads showed great maturity in managing the game,” Murphy added. “Overall I’m really happy with today’s performance as it’s something we can build on for next week.”
The Scholars continue pre-season preparations next week with momentum and confidence on their side following this positive start.
Bradford (Park Avenue) welcome a Bradford City XI to the Horsfall Stadium on Tuesday 29th July (7:00pm KO) for the latest edition of the Tom Banks Memorial Trophy – a fixture that honours one of the club’s most dedicated supporters.
The match, which serves as Avenue’s final pre-season outing ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, will see the winner lift a trophy that holds great sentimental value within the club’s history.
Who Was Tom Banks? Tom Banks was a lifelong Bradford (Park Avenue) supporter, following the club passionately for 54 years up to their demise in 1974. A committed fan and tireless fundraiser, Tom remained a key figure around the club during its most difficult periods and played a role in supporting Avenue’s eventual reformation.
In the mid-1990s, Tom’s son Roger — himself a long-standing Avenue supporter — and Tom’s brother proposed the idea of a memorial trophy in his name. Over 30 years later, the Tom Banks Memorial Trophy continues to be contested in his memory, providing a meaningful connection between the club’s past and present.
A Final Test Before the Season Begins Tuesday’s clash will give supporters a final opportunity to see Craig Elliott’s squad in action before the new season begins on Saturday 2nd August, when Avenue host Mossley in the Emirates FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round.
Avenue come into the game following a strong 2-1 win over Guiseley on Saturday, with goals from Charlie Winfield and Prince Ekpolo securing the victory in a competitive encounter at the Horsfall.
Manager Craig Elliott was full of praise for his side, saying:
“Really good friendly again – good tempo, felt like a proper league game. Guiseley have got some fantastic players, so to win tonight, I’m really happy and just happy with what we got out of the game.”
Elliott is hopeful of building on that performance in Tuesday’s derby fixture, before shifting full focus to the competitive campaign.
“I’ve just said to the players – lots of positives. We’re in a good place. Now it’s just about getting everyone back fit and ready, and doing a bit more in training before we start the real stuff.”
🎟 Match Details: Bradford (Park Avenue) AFC vs Bradford City XI 🏆 Tom Banks Memorial Trophy 📅 Tuesday 29th July 🕖 7:00pm Kick-Off 📍 Horsfall Stadium, BD6 2NG 💷 £5 Adults/Concessions | £1 U18s
🎫 Buy online in advance and scan straight through the gate: 👉 Click here for tickets Pay on the gate also available.
Join us for a special night as we remember a club legend and gear up for the season ahead.
Bradford (Park Avenue) Reserves 2–1 South Leeds Scorers: Rico Feltham, Michael Douglas 📍 Horsfall Community Stadium 📅 Friday 19 July 2025
Bradford (Park Avenue) Reserves secured a deserved 2-1 victory over South Leeds last Friday night in an impressive pre-season performance at the Horsfall Community Stadium.
Goals from Rico Feltham and Michael Douglas ensured a dominant display was rewarded with a result that reflected the team’s efforts — and Reserves Manager Owen Murphy was full of praise for his young side.
“Friday night’s result was one we fully deserved,” said Murphy. “So far in pre-season we’ve been on the wrong end of results despite strong performances – barring the Emley game – but this was a different story.
From the first whistle, I felt we controlled the game and were very aggressive, which helped us get on the front foot early. The maturity in the performance really stood out, especially considering how young this team is.”
The Reserves showed their intent from the off, pressing well and moving the ball quickly to dictate the tempo. Their shape, discipline, and execution in and out of possession were key to the result — something Murphy credits to the group’s work in training.
“We played out when needed and did it at pace, and when we had to go long, we did it with precision and had direct runners to get us up the pitch. That’s something I’ve been drilling into the lads from our very first session, so it’s great to see it come together.
On Tuesday in training, we worked hard on how we want to set up out of possession, so I was really pleased with how difficult we were to break down and how few chances we gave away.”
With just one more friendly fixture remaining before the season opener, Murphy sees the performance as a strong indicator of the group’s progress and readiness for the campaign ahead.
“We’ve got one more friendly this Friday – another tough test – and it’s our final chance to get things right before the season opener. Overall, I’m really happy with Friday night’s win and performance. We’re moving in the right direction, and the players are fully on board with how we want to play and the path we’re on.”
The Reserves are back in action this Friday 1st August, taking on Gomersal Cleckheaton at Horsfall Stadium, with kick-off at 7:30pm.
Bradford (Park Avenue) were proud to host two visiting football clubs from the United States this week, welcoming Hoover Vestavia Soccer from Birmingham, Alabama on Wednesday 23rd July, and Lions Futball Club from San Antonio, Texas on Thursday 24th July, for a series of friendly matches and cultural exchange at the Horsfall Community Stadium.
Both tours were arranged in partnership with Amazing Sports Tours, giving young American players the opportunity to test themselves against UK sides and experience life at a historic English football club.
We caught up with Pete Kenyon, our Commercial Director, and Tomas Fox from Hoover Vestavia Soccer to reflect on their visit.
“We’ve travelled from Birmingham, Alabama. Our club is Hoover Vestavia Soccer,” said Tomas. “First of all, thank you so much for hosting us — it’s been an amazing experience. What you have here is really special.
There’s clearly a lot of history at this club, great habits, and the facilities are outstanding. Back home, it’s something we dream about having access to. So, congratulations — it’s really impressive.”
Tomas also praised the standard of the football:
“The games today were very good. We’ve played three matches so far on the trip, and being able to play two more strong games here has been a great opportunity. We’re very grateful.”
Pete Kenyon added:
“It’s brilliant when we can welcome people from the other side of the world to Park Avenue. Showing off our facilities, making visitors feel welcome — it’s what this club is about.
It also gives us a chance to share the history and tradition of Bradford (Park Avenue) with those who might not otherwise know our story. Long may these kinds of visits continue.”
The following day, Lions Futball Club visited from Texas, joined by Head Coach Peter Moore and Dave Shepard, Managing Director of Amazing Sports Tours.
“We’ve come from San Antonio, Texas,” Peter said. “The girls’ team we played against today was excellent — they had some real quality.
We had a poor first half, but the second half was much better. The girls showed great character to turn things around and put in a strong performance.”
Pete Kenyon again highlighted the value of these exchanges:
“It’s fantastic to see different cultures come through our gates. We hosted an American team yesterday, and another one today — both were very talented and a credit to their clubs.
I’m sure they’ve enjoyed the Horsfall and what we have to offer, and they’re welcome back any time.”
To round off the day, Dave Shepard praised what he saw:
“It’s been a brilliant experience — not just the football, but everything around it. The setup here is superb, and it’s clear how much the club has progressed. It’s really impressive.”
We’d like to thank Hoover Vestavia Soccer, Lions Futball Club, Dave Shepard and Amazing Sports Tours for choosing to visit Bradford (Park Avenue). It’s been a pleasure to host them, and we look forward to more international connections as we continue to grow our reach through the power of football.
