3 May 2023

Avenue Sign 3 Year Deal With EV2

We are thrilled to announce that EV2 will be our new Kit and Apparel provider for the 2023/24, 2024/25 and 2025/26 seasons.

EV2 are a local company, based in Dewsbury and specialise in bespoke sportswear. You can find out more about EV2 by clicking this link; https://www.ev2sportswear.com/about-us/

We spoke to Secretary Calum Cullen, who had this to say

‘We are absolutely delighted to have signed with EV2. The company shares our visions as a club, and having met with the people there I am confident of a great working relationship. It was important to us to make sure we got the very best deal we could for the football club and having spoken to a multitude of companies from all over the UK and even abroad, EV2 stood out for us. I am looking forward to working with everyone there’

Our new kit will be released in the coming weeks, alongside a full package of accessories and apparel. Keep an eye out!

#UTA

2 May 2023

MATCH REPORT – AFC Fylde (H)

by BPAFC Officials | posted in: First Team Match Reports, First Team News, News | 0

In a crucial game for both teams, Bradford (Park Avenue) hosted AFC Fylde at the Horsfall Stadium in a match that would decide their respective fates. For Avenue, it was a last chance to avoid relegation, while Fylde also needed to secure all three points to confirm their promotion. The game started off with Avenue on the front foot, winning a corner within the first five minutes, but Fylde keeper Chris Neal claimed it comfortably.

However, it was Fylde who opened the scoring in the 36th minute through Nick Haughton, who scored a scrappy goal. Until that point, Bradford had looked strong, defending well and creating chances where possible, but the confidence gained from scoring the opener saw Fylde dominating the chances. The first half ended with Fylde leading 1-0, with Avenue having it all to do in the second half.

As the second half began, Avenue started creating chances, with La-Bastide crossing one over for Longbottom, which was called just offside, and Sam Fielding striking a powerful shot that flew over the bar. Will Lancaster also had a great chance, striking just inside the box, but Neal made the save. Despite the pressure, it was Fylde who scored the crucial second goal in the 65th minute, with Joe Rowley scoring a low shot to beat Avenue keeper Sykes-Kenworthy.

Avenue made changes in the second half, with Brad Dockerty coming on at half-time for Simon Richman, followed by Oli Johnson in the 69th minute for La-Bastide, and finally Zak Kersey coming on for Harrison Hopper.

However, it was too little too late, as Fylde’s defence held strong and the game ended with Avenue unable to find the back of the net.

The final whistle blew, and relegation was confirmed for Bradford (Park Avenue), while AFC Fylde celebrated on the pitch, securing their promotion.

While it was a disappointing end to the season for Bradford (Park Avenue), they can hold their heads high for taking the fight all the way to the last game in their bid to avoid relegation.

In the final stretch of the season, they were unbeaten in six games, including impressive wins against Southport, Banbury, and Alfreton.

Though they ultimately fell short in their quest to stay in the division, their spirited performances in the latter stages of the campaign will give them confidence as they prepare for life in the Northern Premier League next season.

You can watch the highlights on the link below.

2 May 2023

Chairman’s Statement

by BPAFC Officials | posted in: First Team News, News | 0

Dear BPA fans,

I would like to thank all those associated with our club for their efforts this season. We now find ourselves in the Northern Premier League next season. This is a result of several years of having the smallest player budget in the league and eventually that caught up with us. That we had survived in the NLN so far is a testament to the efforts of Mark and Danny.

It is true to say that the National League has changed over the years that we have been in it, with clubs spending much more than when we first entered. Football in the UK is a losing business proposition and a club like ours cannot afford to be losing money every year. The first priority is for the club to survive and then to be as financially viable as possible. This is our target. The next priority is to provide the first team with a competitive player budget, so success on the playing field can generate more commercial success.

I believe we are now in a stronger position as a club than when we first entered the National League and much closer to sustainability. Some improvements to the stadium have been made, but more will be done. The Junior and Academy sections have been developed from scratch so that we can provide new generations of players and their families. That is ultimately building a better future for the club. My aim remains to create success on the field combined with sound finances.

Gareth Roberts
Bradford (Park Avenue) AFC Chairman

30 Apr 2023

VIEW FROM THE BOARDROOM – Paul Armitage’s Notes (26/04/23 + 29/04/23)

by BPAFC Officials | posted in: News | 0

When we have had a full squad to choose from, we have been competitive at NLN level and have probably just lacked a goalscoring threat too often, not only up front but from midfield too, and we have had a lack of luck on the injury front.

Getting the right blend of experience, youthful agility and loan players can fill gaps until you find the ideal blend of skills, energy and versatility and our guys have done that with considerable success over recent years and at the same time helped several players to make good progress in their footballing careers. Mark and Danny have clearly made the best of the situation despite the financial limitations. Not only have bullets been dodged but play-offs have been seen too. At last, we are now seeing academy lads coming through the system and that’s another important source of useful playing options to be developed.

Our Academy first team are close to topping an under 19 league, playing against U19 teams from Wrexham, Fylde, Halifax and Rochdale this season. Integrating the Academy successes with the first team will be an increasingly important job now.

Don’t forget that Martin Knight also recruited two excellent assets in Calum and Tom, who are now establishing the basic requirements of a well-run, part-time football club in a deprived community.

We have met the National League’s and FA rules on lease-holding length, finance reporting, ground facilities, floodlighting upgrades and capacity levels this season, indeed the ground is an improving asset.

We have had reasons to be concerned about some league and FA rulings impacting us – the unlisted sub used by Gateshead in the cup, with disqualification applied for a similar offence elsewhere; the disappointing decision to make us play the Scarborough home game despite a very lengthy injury list. Two more points against Scarborough by having a full squad available would have been very useful this season, but the ‘rules is rules’ approach was applied, leaving us wondering where and how the very strict ground grading rules and financial reporting rules will be applied this year. The March 31^st ‘deadline’ appears to have become ‘flexible’ already. Hopefully the NL can sort the situation out by the end of April.

Horsfall isn’t a traditional football setting, but neither were our friendly rugby grounds shared over the years. We have always had to make the best of our locations and facilities and thanks to Gareth we have improved the venue, despite the state it was left in by lack of funding from the council, for which there are doubtless many good reasons, and we have created useful income drivers, mainly for match days, and increasingly for days when the football teams don’t need it.

The stadium’s versatility will hopefully see a long weekend of Rugby League Finals in the late summer, which is a tribute to the improved facilities, with basic costs covered by the RL and an opportunity for the stadium (and us) to make money that couldn’t have happened over past years in the summer months, by using all the new facilities.

Every fan, player and manager wants success on the field, and we have had to try do this whilst also improving the stadium and establishing an academy from scratch. Every past regime has had to make compromises of one sort or another to keep Avenue alive and have tried many ways of financing the dream. Other football clubs have faced, and are still facing, financial challenges, but unless we win our last two games, we will be looking to join Guiseley in the NPL next season.

Having said all that, we must reduce our reliance on our benefactor and our budget-setting for next season has been done, with a target of maintaining a strong first team budget by improving stadium and academy income. Your support for all our stadium events has a positive and direct impact on our footballing fortunes and the work of the Development Fund has been, and will be, important for next season.

As we enter a full year three of the academy, we need to see that value-investment paying off in the first team squad, with versatility, wise contracts and some lower outgoings. All this applies, whichever league we are playing in. Transfer fees with knock-on selling clauses can be vital for success – just check out the value our neighbours have had from the McBurnie sale, which even now is still reducing their operating losses.

As mentioned in previous notes we will be aiming to improve some stadium facilities over the summer months so that we can earn more money from our retailing efforts, and we are very keen to enhance the academy’s development with new coaching agreements that earn more money to cover costs and help to develop more good players.

If we manage to develop streaming facilities next season, we will aim for the channel to be as professional as we can make it, using Tom Ogden’s skills. Of course, nobody can stream games from 2.45pm on Saturdays and the NL insist you use their own system and incur their charges, with very few bells and whistles available. Keep watching our social media pages for news about streaming, season tickets, new kit, pre-season friendlies, stadium events, academy news, game highlights etc – and check out a few other club media pages at this level. I think you’ll find we are one of the better sites for information, news updates and variety. We will aim to be the best.

These will be my last programme notes of the season, but I may continue to write for the club social media for the next couple of months when we have more news from the boardroom. I hope you have found the notes of interest and that you have learned more about club matters from them.

Over recent weeks I have been keen to expand and expound on club matters so that our supporters feel better informed and so that board activity is explained where necessary. Fortunately, no lengthy ‘club statements’ on problems or changes have been necessary so far, so keep on checking us out on Twitter or Facebook or You Tube on bpafc.com

27 Apr 2023

MATCH REPORT – Bradford (Park Avenue) 3 – 0 Alfreton Town

by BPAFC Officials | posted in: First Team Match Reports, First Team News, News | 0

Bradford (Park Avenue) put on a dominant performance in last nights match against Alfreton Town, winning 3-0 and securing a crucial three points in their fight against relegation. The first half saw Bradford take control early on, with a goal in the 5th minute from Will Longbottom. Sam Fielding initially struck the ball, but it was blocked by the keeper, only for Longbottom to pounce on the rebound and slot it into the back of the net.

Bradford continued to press, and in the 35th minute, they were rewarded with another goal, this time from Sam Fielding. From around 50 yards out, Fielding struck a free kick that sailed past the Alfreton keeper and into the top corner of the net, leaving the opposition stunned.

Not content with a two-goal lead, Bradford pushed forward, and in the 42nd minute, they were able to increase their advantage yet again. Longbottom showed his skill by curling a corner ball into the net, leaving the keeper with no chance to save it. With a commanding 3-0 lead going into halftime, Bradford were in control of the match.

In the second half, Alfreton tried to mount a comeback, but Bradford’s defence held strong, preventing them from finding the back of the net. The home team was able to comfortably finish the match with a clean sheet and three points, which could prove vital in their fight against relegation.

Overall, it was a dominant performance from Bradford (Park Avenue), who will look to build on this victory as they strive to secure their place in the league for next season.

You can watch the full highlights below.

Our next match is against AFC Fylde, on Saturday 29th April. Kick Off 3pm, make sure you’re there #GreenArmy! You can read the preview for this game on the link below.

Match Preview Double-Header – Alfreton Town (H) and AFC Fylde (H)

27 Apr 2023

THE FINAL GAME – Bradford (Park Avenue) vs AFC Fylde

by BPAFC Officials | posted in: First Team News, News | 0

THIS IS IT – The final game of our season is this Saturday at the Horsfall, and its a huge one #GreenArmy!

Avenue need 3 points to stand any chance at swerving relegation, so make sure you’re there to cheer on the lads, in what should be an exciting clash.

We host title chasers AFC Fylde, who also need 3 points to secure the title.

All tickets are purchased on the gate, and we are opening at the earlier time of 1:15pm.

We are also running a bucket collection to raise funds for the Bradford Burns Unit. Any donations would be greatly appreciated. There will also be a minutes silence held before kick off.

You can read our full match preview on the link below.

Match Preview Double-Header – Alfreton Town (H) and AFC Fylde (H)

#UTA

25 Apr 2023

Match Preview Double-Header – Alfreton Town (H) and AFC Fylde (H)

by BPAFC Officials | posted in: First Team Match Previews, News | 0

Maximum points the minimum requirement for Avenue.

Bradford (Park Avenue) remain alive in the National League North heading into the final two league games of the season, however they must win both fixtures and rely on results elsewhere to stand a chance of survival.

The Green Army will be hoping their recent revival is not a case of too little, too late, having put together an impressive five-game unbeaten run to close the gap on the sides above. Sitting six points from safety with two games remaining, the first of which is a game in hand, the Avenue will need to win both of their remaining fixtures and hope that Leamington, Blyth Spartans and Kettering Town all lose on the final day. There will also need to be a five-goal swing, with Bradford’s goal difference being four less than 20^th placed Kettering. If the stars align and all of these permutations fall into place, Bradford (Park Avenue) will be a National League North club again next season.

On Wednesday evening, the Avenue will welcome play-off hopefuls Alfreton Town to the Horsfall Community Stadium in a fixture that was twice re-arranged last month, first because of the weather and again, two days later due to travel issues for the away side.

Alfreton’s league position has improved since the postponements, and The Reds will travel to West Yorkshire in fourth place knowing that a win would guarantee a play-off spot before facing a tricky away trip to fifth placed Brackley Town on the final day.

The Avenue defence will no doubt be aware of the threat posed by Alfreton’s experienced forward and top scorer Matt Rhead. The 38-year-old has netted an impressive 13 league goals this season, including one in Saturday’s 1-0 victory at home to Blyth Spartans.

The reverse fixture saw Bradford (Park Avenue) pick up a hard-fought point in a goalless draw at North Street back in November. The Green Army will also remember with fondness the last time Alfreton Town visited the Horsfall. A stunning second-half performance from the Avenue back in February 2022 saw them run out 5-0 winners against this weekend’s visitors. In fact, Bradford (Park Avenue) hold an impressive record when hosting Alfreton, unbeaten in their previous six encounters between the pair in BD6.

Bradford (Park Avenue) will then turn their attention to their final league game of the season as they host title-chasing AFC Fylde on Saturday in a fixture that could have major implications at both ends of the table. The Coasters were well on course for winning the league until back-to-back respective losses earlier this month against Spennymoor Town and Kidderminster began to cast doubt on their title-winning credentials. At the time of writing, AFC Fylde sit in second place, one point away from leaders King’s Lynn Town with a superior goal difference and a game in hand away to Curzon Ashton on Tuesday night. A win there would mean they head to the Horsfall in pole position to lift the league title on Saturday. Either way, Bradford (Park Avenue) will hope to throw a spanner in the works in front of their own fans.

Another accolade that AFC Fylde will be hoping to secure this season is that of the National League North top scorer. Attacking midfielder Nick Haughton currently leads the way with 24 goals this season, including four last time out in a 5-1 victory over struggling Leamington. Bradford (Park Avenue) have already been stung by Haughton this season, with the Fylde star netting twice in the reverse fixture, a 3-1 away defeat for the Green Army back in September.

If Bradford (Park Avenue) are to pull of the great escape they will need to improve their dismal head-to-head record against AFC Fylde, having never beaten them in league or cup since the latter were founded as Kirkham and Wesham in 1988.

This really is a crucial week for Bradford (Park Avenue), and the club needs you to back Bradford, starting with Wednesday’s visit of Alfreton Town. Adults and concessions can attend the game for a reduced price of just £5, with Director of Football Martin Knight on hand at the clubhouse after the game for a Q&A with fans. Why not get behind the Green Army and contribute to what could be the greatest escape in National League North history!

Match Previews by Stephen Grimshaw (@sgsportswriter on Twitter and Instagram)

Wednesday 26^th April – Bradford (Park Avenue) vs. Alfreton Town

Kick off: 19:45

Tickets for this game are reduced! Pay on the gate with cash or card:

Adult – £5

Concession – £5

Youth – £3

Junior – £1 (under 12, must be accompanied by an adult)

Director of Football Martin Knight will be at the game and available for Q&A.

Where To Find Us:

Bradford (Park Avenue) AFC, Horsfall Community Stadium, Cemetery Road, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD6 2NG

Directions By Car:

Leave the M62 at junction 26 and follow signs for the M606. Continue on the M606 to junction 3 and take the A6117 exit to Ring Road West. At the roundabout take the 2nd exit on to Rooley Lane / A6036 signposted Halifax. Pass the Odsal Stadium on the left hand side and at the next roundabout take the 3rd exit on to Halifax Road / A6036 signposted Halifax. After approximately one mile turn left down Cemetery Road immediately before the Kids Planet Children’s Nursery, and the ground is 150 yards on the left. We have a car park which will be signposted off Cemetery Road and parking charges may apply.

Directions By Train:

Bradford Interchange rail station is the nearest to the ground and trains operate on the Calder Valley Line timetable from Bradford, Halifax, Huddersfield, Manchester, Preston and York.

From there you can catch the bus directly to the ground (details below):

Bradford Forster Square rail station There are regular services from Leeds (Leeds-Bradford Line timetable), Skipton (Airedale Line timetable) and Ilkley (Wharfedale Line timetable).

From Forster Square it is a 10 minute walk to Bradford Interchange bus station for a bus onwards to the stadium.

Directions By Bus:

From Bradford Interchange bus station bus services 681 and 682 and Halifax Bus Station bus services 508, 681 and 682.

These services stop at the Halifax Road Cemetery Road stop near to the stadium.

Turnstiles:

The turnstiles open around an hour and a half before kick off and are located at either end of the ground on Cemetery Road and Park Road.

Saturday 29^th April – Bradford (Park Avenue) vs AFC Fylde

Kick off: 15:00

21 Apr 2023

ACADEMY SCHOLAR MYLES LA-BASTIDE SIGNS PROFESSIONAL CONTRACT!

by BPAFC Officials | posted in: Academy News, First Team News, News | 0

We can confirm today that Academy player Myles La-Bastide has today penned his first professional contract with Bradford (Park Avenue), signing a 2 year deal with the club.

Myles first appeared for the First Team in our County Cup match vs Brighouse Town, and made his first league appearance against Chester in February.

Since then, La-Bastide has made 4 starts in our last 4 games, and helped Avenue gain 8 points out of 12, including a goal vs Southport and assisting Harrison Hoppers goal against Banbury.

Speaking on the signing, Scholarship Lead Coach Pat McGuire said;

“Myles has been brilliant since returning to training in August, and has been a trailblazer for the Academy with his stand out performances.”

Myles has worked hard to develop physically and has dealt with the transition to National League football well.“

“He is a very mature and down to earth lad and I’m sure he will continue to push himself to develop over the next two years.

“He’s been a pleasure to work with daily, and all the coaching staff and players at the Academy are delighted to see him earn this contract.”

Academy Technical Director Thomas McStravick also added;

“We are delighted for Myles. He is a great example of someone who has came in, worked hard and remained patient throughout his time here.”

“Myles is a great success story for the academy and is from the first recruitment batch back in 2020.“

“Credit to Brad Smith for bringing him into the club and for the staff Andy Cooper, Pat McGuire and others who have worked with him throughout his time here. The hard work starts now for him and I wish him every success.”

We also spoke to Myles on his signing, you can watch the interview on our YouTube channel below.

You can also watch Myles’ goal and assist on our YouTube channel below.

21 Apr 2023

LA-BASTIDE LA MAN FOR AVENUE!

by BPAFC Officials | posted in: First Team News, News | 0

We can confirm today that Academy player Myles La-Bastide has today penned his first professional contract with Bradford (Park Avenue), signing a 2 year deal with the club.

Myles first appeared for the First Team in our County Cup match vs Brighouse Town, and made his first league appearance against Chester in February.

Since then, La-Bastide has made 4 starts in our last 4 games, and helped Avenue gain 8 points out of 12, including a goal vs Southport and assisting Harrison Hoppers goal against Banbury.

Speaking on the signing, First Team manager Mark Bower said;

“I’m delighted to get this one over the line. Myles has proved his ability over the last month while playing in the first team, from scoring his first professional goal two weeks ago, and grabbing an assist in our last match.”

“It goes to show the great work the Academy staff are doing, with this being our second professional contract from the Academy this season. A huge credit goes to Thomas McStravick and Pat McGuire.”

We also spoke to Myles on his signing, you can watch the interview on our YouTube channel below.

You can also watch Myles’ goal and assist on our YouTube channel below.

20 Apr 2023

VIEW FROM THE BOARDROOM – Paul Armitage’s notes (15/04/23)

by BPAFC Officials | posted in: News | 0

Everyone is a bit on edge because we need wins and last week we had a storming first half and lost out on three points due to a mishit cross. It was good to be part of the new streaming channel despite the early glitches. We are looking at possible streaming options for ourselves for next season, possibly with different kick-off days and times. It’s going to offer a different and additional income stream if we need it.

For next season Calum will take over the programme shop unit and develop it as a programme, kit and retail shop, with Dave continuing to give advice on old programmes. Dave has done amazing work over many years and raised thousands through his knowledge and efforts. This allows him a little more time for himself and other fund-raising ideas for BPA whilst still retaining his expertise.

What is currently the kit room will become another retail shop, possibly with more food and drink selling space.

Classroom facilities have been improved this week by Ben and Neil so we can cater for an increased number of Academy students and we are looking to keep some lads on for degree courses in related Sports studies.

We are still working on a grant to improve the grass pitches, related lighting and car park areas, all of which require attention. The rain gully and pipes at the rear of the main stand need fixing and we must make the camera gantry better as well as the gents toilets by the programme shop. Any offers of help or advice on fixing infrastructure problems should be directed to Calum and Neil. We have inherited quite a few of these issues as the council didn’t have funds to keep Horsfall in the best state or repair. This adds to our costs.

Calum is already working on pre-season friendlies, the next season ticket offers and the new kit deal and is starting to get traction on regular Horsfall events offers. Your support is always welcome.

As far as the league is concerned, Fylde and Kings Lynn are struggling to jump ahead of each other on the champion’s position and the play-off positions are still not easy to predict, though Chester are nailed on. Relegation battles continue and with a couple of wins for us, clubs above us would start to worry.

As yet we still don’t know whether all the NL pitch and accounting standards have been met yet by all clubs so it’s possible that fourth from bottom may yet survive. All to play for, though Telford are down and out and Scunthorpe will be a NLN team next season.

King’s Lynn ‘lost’ their manager to Aldershot and Brackley sacked their manager having only appointed him this year, with skipper Gaz Dean now taking over. Teams up at the top seem to have their money troubles and the NLN has had its least predictable season for a long time and no doubt has more twists and turns to come

Let’s start a winning run today, please get behind the lads again and let’s give them hope in upsetting the odds. They are giving it all on the pitch and there’s still hope we can survive in NLN.

Author Archives: BPAFC Officials