CONNOR SHANKS SIGNS NEW DEAL

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Bradford (Park Avenue) is delighted to confirm that Connor Shanks has agreed terms on a deal that will keep him at the Horsfall until the end of the 2025/26 season.

Shanks, 22, has been a standout performer this season, making 35 appearances, scoring 9 goals, and registering 8 assists. The attacking midfielder has become a key figure in Craig Elliott’s squad and is now set to continue his journey with the club.

No stranger to Avenue fans, Shanks previously had a loan spell at the club during the 2023/24 season, making 9 appearances and scoring once while on loan from Spennymoor Town. Born in Halifax, he came through Huddersfield Town’s youth ranks before joining Bradford City’s Academy in 2017, where he made his senior debut in the EFL Trophy. He later returned to Huddersfield before moving to Spennymoor, making 10 appearances and scoring against both Darlington and Scarborough.

🗣 Craig Elliott on Shanks’ new deal:
“Great news that Connor has agreed to sign for next season. He is everything I like in a player. He has high fitness levels, enthusiasm in every game and training session, and a real quality in the final third to score goals and get assists. He is a good age to keep improving, and he will be a major player for us next season.”

🗣 Connor Shanks on staying at Horsfall:
“Delighted to have signed for another season. This season has been very up and down, but we all share the same objective, which is getting this club back to where it needs to be. I see this as my club now and want to achieve things here. As soon as the gaffer offered me a new deal, I knew it’s where I wanted to be. To all the fans – I will continue giving my all for the club.”

We’re thrilled to keep Shanksy at the Horsfall and can’t wait to see what the future holds!

#GreenArmy 💚

Brendon Daniels Extends Stay at Bradford (Park Avenue) for the 2024/25 Season

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Bradford (Park Avenue) is pleased to confirm that Brendon Daniels has extended his loan deal until the end of the 2024/25 season.

The 31-year-old initially joined on a one-month loan from Leek Town, making eight appearances and scoring one goal. With over 270 National League appearances, Daniels brings valuable experience, having previously played for clubs including Chester, Harrogate Town, AFC Fylde, and AFC Telford United.

The club would like to thank Leek Town for their cooperation in the move and express our gratitude to the Development Fund for making this signing possible.

We look forward to seeing Brendon continue to make an impact in Avenue colours.

FREE ENTRY FOR WOMEN & BRING A MATE FOR A FIVER AT OUR NEXT HOME GAME!

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Bradford (Park Avenue) will be dedicating our next home game to International Women’s Day and the #HerGameToo movement, championing inclusivity in football.

As we were away on Saturday, we are marking the occasion at our fixture against Newton Aycliffe on Saturday, 15th March, 3:00 PM at Horsfall Community Stadium.

To celebrate, all women will receive free entry, encouraging more female fans to attend and enjoy the matchday experience. We are also running a Fanbase special offer – Adults can bring a friend for just £5, saving £8 in the process. Tickets are available now via Fanbase.

In addition, to support the growth of our girls’ teams, we will have donation buckets available on the day. All proceeds will go towards purchasing much-needed equipment for the teams, helping to provide better resources and opportunities for young female footballers.

Join us at Horsfall to celebrate International Women’s Day and support the next generation of women’s footballers.

𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗖𝗛𝗗𝗔𝗬: 𝗖𝗟𝗘𝗘𝗧𝗛𝗢𝗥𝗣𝗘𝗦 𝗧𝗢𝗪𝗡 𝗩𝗦 𝗕𝗥𝗔𝗗𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗗 (𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗞 𝗔𝗩𝗘𝗡𝗨𝗘)

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Bradford (Park Avenue) hit the road this afternoon as we take on Cleethorpes Town in the Northern Premier League East Division.

Craig Elliott’s side will be looking to build on recent performances as they take on the league leaders in what promises to be a tough test.

Match Details:

📅 Saturday 8th March

⏰ 3:00 PM Kick-Off

📍 Clee Rd, Grimsby DN32 8QL

🎟 £10 Adults | £7 Concessions & U16s

Cleethorpes currently sit top of the league, having enjoyed a strong campaign so far. Avenue, meanwhile, will be aiming to cause an upset and climb further up the table.

Your support on the road has been fantastic this season—let’s make some noise and get behind the lads once again! 💚⚽

#GreenArmy | #BPAFC | #Matchday

Thank You for an Amazing Heads Up Cup!

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We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who took part in the Heads Up Cup yesterday at Horsfall Community Stadium. It was an incredible day of football, teamwork, and support for Mind in Bradford & Craven.

🏆 Congratulations to ACS Group on being crowned the 2025 Heads Up Cup champions! Your outstanding performance truly shone through. We also want to give a big round of applause to Solenis, our runners-up, for their amazing effort throughout the tournament.

We are also grateful to the following businesses that participated, making the event such a success:
🔹 Azets
🔹 TL Dallas
🔹 Cygnet
🔹 Bradford PA Juniors
🔹 Spicy Copywriting
🔹 Barton Legal
🔹 Northern Mechanical Services
🔹 BDC Mind Staff

Your dedication and sportsmanship were evident throughout, and we thank you all for being part of this special day.

A special shoutout to Mind in Bradford & Craven for their continued support and for helping make this event possible. It’s amazing to see how football can unite us all in support of mental health awareness.

Thank you again to everyone involved, and we look forward to future events that continue to bring our community together!

Bradford (Park Avenue) Sports Foundation Joins Forces with West Yorkshire Police to Support Local Community

On Thursday, 6th March, Bradford (Park Avenue) Sports Foundation held a positive and productive meeting with Bradford’s West Yorkshire Police Early Action Team. This exciting new collaboration aims to use football as a tool to engage and support the wider Bradford community, particularly children and families.

As part of this partnership, the Foundation will deliver off-site football sessions, providing children and young people with structured, enjoyable activities that promote teamwork, discipline, and personal development. These sessions will be a crucial part of ongoing efforts to support young people and create stronger community ties.

Additionally, the Foundation has committed to funding a set number of holiday course places for young people who would benefit from extra support, ensuring that those in need can access fun, engaging activities at no cost. By removing financial barriers, the initiative will help more young people benefit from structured sports programmes during school breaks.

Looking ahead, discussions are underway to launch a football project at Bradford (Park Avenue)’s facilities, specifically designed to combat anti-social behaviour and reduce local crime. By providing a safe and positive outlet for young people, the initiative aims to foster a sense of belonging and purpose within the community.

Mat Everett, Community Director at Bradford (Park Avenue) Sports Foundation, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership:
“We’re thrilled to launch this partnership, which will have a lasting impact on the children and families in our community. Together, we’ll create positive change through sport, giving young people the opportunity to grow, develop, and stay engaged in a safe and structured environment.”

This collaboration marks an important step in the Foundation’s ongoing mission to make a difference in the lives of young people across Bradford. By working alongside West Yorkshire Police, Bradford (Park Avenue) Sports Foundation is committed to fostering a safer, more inclusive community through the power of football. 

To get involved with our Foundation, contact our Community Director Mathew Everett on Mathew.Everett@bpafc.com.

Corporate Partners: British Polio

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Bradford (Park Avenue) is proud to announce our official partnership with British Polio, a national charity dedicated to supporting and empowering people living with polio and Post-Polio Syndrome (PPS). This partnership highlights our commitment to making a difference beyond the football pitch, working alongside organisations that have a real and lasting impact on people’s lives.

Who Are British Polio?

British Polio is the only UK national charity dedicated to helping those affected by polio and PPS—a neurological condition that impacts an estimated 120,000 people in the UK. Many survivors contracted polio during the pandemics of the 1930s, 40s, and 50s, with lasting effects that often result in mobility issues, reduced lung capacity, and other serious health complications. The charity provides vital support, advocacy, and resources to help individuals live full and independent lives.

Why This Partnership Matters

This partnership is particularly meaningful for Bradford (Park Avenue), given our historic connection to Jeff Hall, a former Avenue reserve player who tragically lost his life to polio in 1959 while playing for Birmingham City. His untimely passing had a profound impact on football and public health, sparking a national push for polio vaccinations across the UK. Honouring his memory through this partnership is a powerful reminder of how football can drive positive change in society.

We are honoured that British Polio has chosen to partner with us. Their decision to collaborate with Bradford (Park Avenue) reinforces our reputation as a community-driven, socially responsible football club. Together, we will raise awareness, support those affected by polio and PPS, and work towards making a real difference in the lives of those in need.

We look forward to working with British Polio and encourage our supporters and corporate partners to get involved in this fantastic cause.

For more information about British Polio, visit www.britishpolio.org.uk.

Mark Beevers Commits Future to Bradford (Park Avenue) Until 2026

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Bradford (Park Avenue) is delighted to announce that experienced defender Mark Beevers has agreed terms on a new deal that will see him remain at the Horsfall Community Stadium until the end of the 2025/26 season.

Since joining the Avenue in September 2024, Beevers has been a vital presence at the heart of the defence, making 23 appearances and contributing to seven clean sheets as of March 6th. His leadership and experience have played a crucial role in solidifying the team’s defensive resilience throughout the campaign.

Before arriving at Bradford (Park Avenue), Beevers was plying his trade in Australia with A-League side Perth Glory. Prior to his move abroad, the towering centre-back amassed over 500 appearances across the EFL Championship and League One, representing clubs such as Sheffield Wednesday, MK Dons, Millwall, Bolton Wanderers, and Peterborough United.

Speaking on his new deal, Beevers said: “I’ve really enjoyed my time at Bradford (Park Avenue) so far. Coming out of full-time football into a part-time setup has given me the chance to explore new opportunities off the pitch while still competing at a good level. Football-wise, we’ve had more good moments than bad, and despite a tough spell, we’re showing signs of improvement every week. We’re still pushing to finish this season strong, and looking ahead, I truly believe the club is moving in the right direction. The aim is promotion, and I’m excited to be a part of that journey.”

Manager Craig Elliott added: “I’m delighted to sign Mark Beevers for next season. He has been superb on and off the pitch since signing. This is the start of us planning for next season, and I have no doubt he will play a big part in what we want to achieve.”

Beevers’ commitment to the club marks a significant move as the Avenue continues to strengthen its squad in pursuit of success in the Northern Premier League East Division.

AVENUE CONFIRM TWO-MONTH LOAN OF MIDFIELDER GABRIEL WADSWORTH

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Bradford (Park Avenue) are pleased to confirm the loan signing of midfielder Gabriel Wadsworth from neighbours Bradford City on a two-month deal.

Wadsworth, 19, was one of three academy graduates to sign a professional contract with City ahead of the 2024/25 campaign, having also been offered professional terms in the summer of 2023. A talented and composed midfielder, he now makes the temporary switch to the Horsfall Community Stadium to gain valuable first-team experience.

Gabriel is the younger brother of Noah Wadsworth, who featured regularly in City’s matchday squads towards the end of last season, making his first-team debut against Harrogate Town on Saturday, March 23.

In other squad news, Sam Straughan-Brown has been recalled by Doncaster Rovers. The club thanks Sam for his efforts during his time at Horsfall and extends its appreciation to Doncaster Rovers for their cooperation in the deal.

Wadsworth is available immediately for selection at tomorrow night’s away match vs Sheffield FC.

Welcome to Horsfall, Gabriel!

Bradford (Park Avenue) vs Ossett United Matchday Information

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Bradford (Park Avenue) hosts Ossett United today, Saturday, 1st March, with a 3:00 PM kickoff at Horsfall Community Stadium.

Supporters wearing Avenue colours or merchandise, as well as other club season ticket holders, can attend for just £5.

After the match, fans are invited to stay for a post-match Q&A with manager Craig Elliott.

Tickets are available online now: Click here to buy.