20 Sep 2024

Welcome, Mark Beevers!

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Bradford (Park Avenue) are delighted to announce the signing of former Sheffield Wednesday, Millwall and Bolton Wanderers defender Mark Beevers on a one-year contract subject to International Clearance and League Approval.

Mark had until recently, being plying his trade in Australia where he was representing Perth Glory in the A-League, but has relocated back to England with his family.

Having racked up over 500 appearances in the EFL Championship & League One representing teams such as Sheffield Wednesday, MK Dons, Millwall, Bolton Wanderers and Peterborough United before travelling oversees for a stint at Perth Glory, Mark certainly brings the quality and experience needed in order for Avenue to make a push for promotion this season.

Manager Craig Elliott had this to say on his latest signing: “Mark is exactly the type of signing we needed. He gives us vital experience and physical presence. To sign a player of his calibre shows are intent to improve and he will be a big signing for us on and off the pitch.”

Sporting Director Tom McStravick was also delighted with the signing: “We are delighted to welcome someone of Mark’s experience to the club. He’s a real leader and I’m excited to see him in a BPA shirt.”

Thanks to the BPA Development Fund for their assistance in making this signing happen.

Mark will hopefully be available to make his debut in next Saturday’s home game against Heaton Stannington.
20 Sep 2024

🟢⚪️ MATCHDAY! FA Youth Cup Action! 🟢⚪️

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Our Bradford (Park Avenue) Scholars hit the road tonight as they travel to Darnall, Sheffield to face @Handsworth_FC in the FA Youth Cup! 🏆⚽️

📅 Date: 20th September 2024

🕢 Kick-off: 7:45 pm

📍 Venue: Olivers Mount, Darnall, Sheffield, S9 4PA

🎟️ Entry: £3 / £2

Come down and support the young Avenue as they look to progress in the cup! Let’s show them what the Green Army is all about! 💚👊

18 Sep 2024

Join Us for the Heads Up Cup at Horsfall Stadium!

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Bradford (Park Avenue) AFC is proud to announce a fantastic new event in partnership with Mind Bradford District & Craven—the Heads Up Cup! This friendly five-a-side football tournament is an opportunity for local businesses and community teams to come together for a day of fun, friendly competition, and, most importantly, to support a great cause.

What’s the Heads Up Cup All About?

Taking place at the iconic Horsfall Stadium on World Mental Health Day, Thursday, 10th October, the Heads Up Cup is more than just a football tournament. It’s a chance to raise vital funds for Mind Bradford District & Craven, supporting mental health initiatives in our community. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just looking to enjoy a day out with friends and colleagues, this event is open to all.

How to Get Involved:

You can sign up as either a Business Team or a Community Team, with a maximum of nine players per team. This is a great chance to get together with your colleagues, friends, or fellow football enthusiasts to enjoy a day of sport and camaraderie while making a positive impact on mental health in our region.

  • Business Team Entry Cost: £150 donation
  • Community Team Entry Cost: £75 donation

All funds raised will go directly to supporting the invaluable work of Mind Bradford District & Craven, helping those in our community who need it most.

Event Details:

  • Date: Thursday, 10th October (World Mental Health Day)
  • Location: Horsfall Community Stadium, Bradford
  • Sign-Up Link: Register for the Heads Up Cup

Why You Should Take Part:

By joining the Heads Up Cup, you’ll not only enjoy a fantastic day of football, but you’ll also be supporting a cause that makes a real difference in people’s lives. Mental health is something that affects us all, and through this event, we aim to bring our community together to raise awareness and support for those in need.

So, what are you waiting for? Rally your team, lace up your boots, and get ready for an unforgettable day on the pitch at the Horsfall Stadium. Let’s come together to show our support for mental health and have a great time while doing it!

Sign Up Today!

Spaces are limited, so make sure to secure your team’s spot in the tournament. Head over to the registration page here and get signed up today. We can’t wait to see you at the Heads Up Cup!

Together, we can make a difference.

17 Sep 2024

Bradford (Park Avenue) Sign Elie Ikwa in First Signing Under Manager Craig Elliott

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Bradford (Park Avenue) is delighted to announce the signing of 24-year-old defender Elie Ikwa on a deal until the end of the season. This marks the first signing under new manager Craig Elliott, who is looking to strengthen the squad as we push forward in the Northern Premier League East Division.

Elie joins us with a wealth of experience from his time at Peterhead, Racing Club Warwick, Solihull, and Carlton Town. His journey in football has seen him develop into a formidable defender, and we are excited to welcome him to the Horsfall Community Stadium.

Now ready to take on a new challenge with Bradford (Park Avenue), Elie is eager to contribute to the team’s success. His defensive skills and experience will be a valuable addition as we continue our season.

Elie Ikwa will be available for selection on and is expected to quickly become an integral part of our team. We are confident that his addition will bolster our squad, and we look forward to seeing him in action.

Please join us in welcoming Elie Ikwa to the Avenue family and in marking the beginning of a new era under Craig Elliott!

16 Sep 2024

Thank you, Connor Dimaio

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Bradford (Park Avenue) can today confirm that Captain Connor Dimaio has unfortunately accepted an offer from Northern Premier League side Matlock Town, and therefore leaves with immediate effect.

The club would like to go on record to thank Connor for his efforts during his short spell, and we wish him all the best for the future.
13 Sep 2024

Exciting News! Bradford (Park Avenue) AFC are hosting their first ever Christmas Cup! (24/25 season)

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👧🏼👦🏻 Age Groups u7, u8, u9 & u10
📅 Date Friday 27th December 2024 (u7&u8) Saturday 28th December 2024 (u9&u10) 10:00-15:00
📍 Location Horsfall Stadium, Bradford. BD6 2NG.
💷 Entry Fee £35 per team, £2pp spectators.

We invite all football teams from the 4 age groups, to join us for an exciting day of football and fun. This is a great opportunity for all young players to showcase their skills and teamwork, within our community stadium. 💪⚽

U7- 5v5 (max 3 subs)
U8- 5v5 (max 3 subs)
U9- 7v7 (max 3 subs)
U10- 7v7 (max 3 subs)

Our teams and guests can expect:

  • Competitive football matches 🤍💚
  • A family friendly atmosphere 💚
  • Trophies for winning teams and medals for winners and Runners Up🏆🥇
  • Refreshments and snacks available 🍔🥤

Parents, friends and family are all welcome to come and support the children on the day.

We are limiting each age group to 12 teams so places will be allocated on a 1st come 1st serve basis. We will only accept one entry per club per age group initially.

For more details, please contact Holleigh on 07779244070 or email tournaments@bpafc.com

Please use the below link to register your place on our Christmas Cup and we will be in touch with payment information and further details.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1VPFHFeSEyQDWw_v0hbbzsVD65mF3i6lVBeyPugjUpEA/viewform

11 Sep 2024

West Riding County Cup Draw! Avenue face Golcar United!

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We can confirm that Bradford (Park Avenue) have been drawn away, to face Golcar United in our first round of the West Riding County Cup! 🏆

🆚 Golcar United
📅 Tuesday 24th September, 7:45PM
🏟️ Longfield Avenue, Huddersfield, HD7 4AZ

This will be an exciting cup tie, and we’re ready to battle it out for a place in the next round!

Let’s pack Longfield Avenue and show our support for the lads! 💚⚪

10 Sep 2024

MATCH REPORT – Ashington 1 – 0 Bradford (Park Avenue)

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Bradford (Park Avenue) suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat away at Ashington in a hard-fought Northern Premier League East Division encounter, with Jay Errington’s second-half goal sealing the win for the hosts.

Avenue started the game strongly, creating early chances from set pieces. In the 5th minute, Harry Colville delivered a corner into the box, which found Dan Francis, but his header went just over the bar. Three minutes later, another corner from Colville found Connor Shanks, but he mistouched it, and Ashington cleared the danger.

In the 14th minute, Colville and Shanks linked up again from a corner, with Shanks heading towards goal, but the Ashington keeper made a comfortable save. Ashington’s first real opportunity came in the 27th minute when Avenue goalkeeper Craig Ellison was caught off his line. The home side attempted a chipped shot, but it went over the bar.

Just before halftime, Avenue had another chance when Josh Askew played a pass to Kareem Hassan-Smith, who crossed the ball into the box. Unfortunately, there were no Avenue players in position to tap it in, and both teams went into the break with the score still 0-0.

As the second half began, Ashington looked more dangerous. In the 53rd minute, they broke down the right side but sent their shot over the bar. The deadlock was finally broken in the 68th minute when Jay Errington found the back of the net for the hosts. Despite claims of offside, the goal stood, giving Ashington the lead.

Craig Elliott made his first change in the 74th minute, bringing on Kelan Swales for Harry Colville. Avenue pressed on for an equalizer, and in the 84th minute, Theo Hudson replaced Connor Dimaio, followed by Alex Francis coming on for Luke Hogg in the 88th minute. Despite late pressure, Avenue couldn’t find the breakthrough, and Ashington held on for a 1-0 victory.

Speaking after the match, manager Craig Elliott expressed his frustration: “It’s always difficult when you lose and you think you’ve done enough to at least get a draw. To come up here midweek is a tough ask. Despite that, I thought we started off brilliantly. For large periods of the game, I thought we looked comfortable. We had loads of good moments and chances – I think we probably had 13 or 14 corners – so to not get something out of the game is really disappointing for us all.”

“The main thing for us now is trying to inject more goals into the team, which we can see is needed, but positives from today were our shape and organisation. It’s just disappointing to travel so far and get nothing out of it.”

Avenue now have a break in fixtures due to Carlton Town’s involvement in the FA Cup. The next match is an away trip to Ossett United on Saturday, 21st September, in the FA Trophy 2nd Qualifying Round.

10 Sep 2024

MATCHDAY PREVIEW: Ashington AFC vs Bradford (Park Avenue)

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Northern Premier League East Division
Kick Off: 7:45 PM
Venue: Woodhorn Lane, Ashington, NE63 9FW

Bradford (Park Avenue) head to Ashington this evening for an exciting Northern Premier League East Division clash. Both sides will be eager to secure three points and move up the league table.

Ashington have experienced a mixed start to their season, currently sitting in 17th place with 4 points from 4 matches. Their league campaign began with a 1-1 draw away at Ossett United, followed by a 1-2 home defeat to Bishop Auckland. After a 2-0 loss away at Dunston, Ashington bounced back with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Garforth Town in their most recent league match.

In the FA Cup, Ashington won a 2-1 replay away against Bishop Auckland but were eliminated in the next round after a 2-1 loss at Crook Town on 31st August. Their FA Trophy campaign ended on 24th August with a 4-1 defeat to Congleton Town.

Bradford (Park Avenue) are full of confidence following a solid 3-1 FA Trophy victory against Witton Albion last weekend. With new manager Craig Elliott in charge, the team is beginning to find its form, with goals from Dan Francis, Paddy Sykes, and Kelan Swales securing the win. Avenue will be aiming to keep that momentum going and climb the table tonight.

Ticket Information:

🎟️ Ticket Prices:

  • £9.00 Adults
  • £5.00 Concessions (65+ and Students)
  • £3.00 Under 16s

Purchase tickets here – https://ashingtonafc.ktckts.com/event/asn2425home03/ashington-afc-vs-bradford-park-avenue

Let’s back the lads as they aim to bring home another win on the road!

Kickoff is at 7:45 PM at Woodhorn Lane, Ashington, NE63 9FW – Come on Avenue!
#GreenArmy #BPAFC #UpTheAvenue #NorthernPremier #AwayDay

9 Sep 2024

Match Report: Witton Albion 1 – 3 Bradford (Park Avenue) (FA Trophy)

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Bradford (Park Avenue) delivered an impressive 3-1 victory over Witton Albion in the FA Trophy on Saturday, 7th September, marking a successful start to Craig Elliott’s managerial tenure. The match at Bracken Moor showcased Avenue’s solid tactical discipline and attacking intent.

Avenue took control early in the first half, opening the scoring in the 18th minute. Harry Colville’s cross created chaos in the Witton defense, with Connor Shanks’ shot blocked, only for the ball to loop into the path of Dan Francis, who calmly finished from close range to give Avenue a 1-0 lead.

Throughout the half, Avenue created several more chances. In the 34th minute, Paddy Sykes narrowly missed the target, shooting wide. Connor Shanks also had the ball in the net in the 41st minute, but his effort was ruled offside. Despite bookings for Alex Francis and Connor Dimaio before half-time, Avenue managed to hold their 1-0 lead going into the break.

Witton Albion responded quickly after the second half began, equalizing in the 47th minute when Harry McGee headed home from a cross, bringing the match level at 1-1.

Avenue, however, showed resilience and regained the lead in the 57th minute. Harry Colville’s dangerous corner was met by Paddy Sykes, who rose above the defense to head the ball past Witton goalkeeper Danny Roberts, putting Avenue back in front.

The decisive third goal came in the 72nd minute. A well-executed pass from Luke Hogg found Oli Norman down the left wing. Norman’s low cross into the box was perfectly placed for Kelan Swales, who turned sharply and slotted the ball home, securing the 3-1 victory for Avenue.

Following the match, manager Craig Elliott expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance:
“I think we could have won by more. We missed some good chances in the first half with a few one-on-ones. They had spells, but what really pleased me was how the lads reacted after they equalized, and we fully deserved the win. It’s been a positive start, and I’m proud of how the team has responded.”

Avenue now turns their focus to an away match against Ashington on Tuesday, 10th September, with a 7:45 pm kickoff, hoping to build on this promising start. Travelling with us? Address is Ashington Community Football Club, Woodhorn Ln, Ashington NE63 9FW.