The National League chairman Brian Barwick has notified the Board he will be stepping down from his position at the end of the 2020/21 season.

Barwick, 66, has enjoyed a long and distinguished career, spanning over 40 years, with senior roles in both major sports broadcasting organisations and high-profile sports governing bodies.

In December, the former Football Association chief executive was awarded an OBE in the New Year Honours List for services to sport and broadcasting.

The Chairman stated, “After careful consideration I formally told the National League Board in February that I intended to step down at the end of the 2020/21 season.

“I think it is the right time to relinquish the role – and give somebody else the great privilege of leading the organisation.

“Since 2015, I believe the competition has continued to grow in stature and profile, sent strong clubs up into the EFL and built up a formidable and loyal set of commercial and broadcast partnerships.

“Our 66 clubs remain the life-blood of our competition and a vital part of their local communities – and that’s what makes our League so special.

“I also acknowledge just how tough it has been for many of our clubs over the past twelve months facing the unprecedented challenges brought on by the Covid pandemic.

“In closing, I would like to thank my National League Board colleagues, the League’s executive, our commercial partners, the wider football family and, most importantly, our member clubs for their warm welcomes and support over the past six years.

“I will continue to commit myself to the well-being of the National League until the end of the season.

“And, of course, I wish my successor as Chair and everybody connected with the National League my very best wishes for a brilliant future.”

National League vice-chairman Jack Pearce said: “Brian’s appointment signified a change of direction by The National League in 2015 for the benefit of the competition.

“Whilst it would be easy to reflect on what has been a very challenging year for football, not only The National League, the progression of the competition over this six-year period has been greater than we could have expected.

“The Chairman has been influential in our long-term commercial partnerships with Vanarama and BT Sport, with the three-year extensions on enhanced terms this season providing security for member clubs. We have also seen an increased level of professionalism, both on and off the pitch at clubs, since Brian’s appointment.      

“Brian’s remarkable work ethic and trust in others have made him an invaluable colleague and a person I consider to be a wonderful friend.”

General Manager Mark Ives also added: “Brian has worked tirelessly for the benefit of the League and his vast experience across the game and the media has been a tremendous benefit to the League and its member clubs.

“I have had the privilege now of working with Brian on two separate occasions during my career, and his knowledge and determination has been exceptional.  We are all grateful for his support over the years.”

We are delighted to announce that the James Mae Group will once again be featured on our playing kit for this upcoming 2021/22 Season.

The company have agreed to sponsor the front of the shirts again, and will have their logo front and centre of our new kit. This will be James Mae’s second year with us here at Bradford (Park Avenue) and everyone at the club are delighted to welcome them back.

Edward Caffrey, MD of James Mae had this to say regarding the deal;

The James Mae Group is pleased to announce its continued support and sponsorship for the upcoming 21-22 season of Bradford (Park Avenue) Football Club. 

Long may this partnership continue between our Bradford based business and Bradford community football at its very best.

We wish all the teams every success and I look forward to meeting all the staff and players very soon.

Football Operations Manager Calum Cullen also commented;

Having James Mae come back for another season is brilliant news for the club. When I spoke with Ed, he was enthusiastic about coming back and sponsoring us again. I would like to thank him and everyone at James Mae for their continued support and look forward to them coming down to watch the Avenue play when restrictions allow.’

You can find out more information about the James Mae Group here: https://www. http://www.jamesmaegroup.co.uk/

For more Avenue content, follow this link: https://www.flowcode.com/page/bpafc

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Today our captain Luca Havern has put pen to paper on a new one year contract at the Horsfall. After re-joining Mark’s squad for the unusual 20/21 season, Luca was named as club captain to help lead our exciting squad of youth and experience. This experience and know how is vital part of the clubs strategy of remaining competitive and allowing young players to develop, improve and get into full time football. The evidence of this being seen this year as Lewis Knight secured a permanent move to Notts County.

Luca Havern –

‘I’m really happy to commit to BPA for another season. Before this season was null and voided we were improving each week and our young players were growing in confidence so I hope we can build on that momentum come August. On a personal note I’d like to thank the management team and the club for their continued support and I am looking forward to hopefully welcoming some fans back to the Horsfall this summer.’

Mark Bower –

‘We are really pleased that Luca has committed himself to us for another season. He forms part of our core of experienced players who play a vital role in strong performances on the pitch whilst helping our younger players with their progression. Luca will continue to captain the team and we look forward to welcoming him back for pre-season in a few months time.’

With pre-season scheduled to start on the 26^th of June keep your eyes peeled for more green and white army signings.

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In what can only be described as an incredulous and insensitive decision, the National League today have given the club notice that it has been found guilty of not playing three games and that a fine for each breach is to be applied of £2000.
The club had offered a clear written explanation on each occasion and submitted a defence based on the financial circumstances surrounding the matches for the disciplinary hearing.
We will be appealing this travesty of a decision with the FA and are taking legal advice from our lawyers about further action relating to the lies told to the club by the National League at the start of the season relating to grant funding. 

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Bradford (Park Avenue) are delighted to announce that Highbury Homes will be continuing their fantastic support of our club by again sponsoring the back of our shorts for the 2021/22 Season. This will be Highbury’s second year with us here at Bradford (Park Avenue) and everyone at the club are delighted to welcome them back.

Highbury Homes’ Managing Director Gareth Jones had this to say on the agreement;

‘We are delighted to confirm that Highbury Homes will continue to sponsor Bradford (Park Avenue) AFC for the 2nd year running.

As a local employer we recognise the value in supporting our small communities by providing much needed funding and support and would like to wish Bradford (Park Avenue) a very successful season!’

Football Operations Manager Calum Cullen said;

‘This is fantastic news for the football club, and having spoken with Gareth, it was clear that he has a real passion for Bradford (Park Avenue) and was keen to keep supporting us. Getting this deal over the line is another piece in the jigsaw ready for what will hopefully be a very good season. I look forward to being able to have Highbury down at the ground as and when we are allowed to.’

You can find out more information about Highbury Homes here: https://www.highburyhomes.co.uk

For more Avenue content, follow this link: https://www.flowcode.com/page/bpafc

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Great news for all of us missing our football, the National League have confirmed that the new season 21/22 will commence on August the 14^th for the National League North and South and one week later for the National League.

Mark and Danny are now busy planning an extended pre-season so we get a chance to blow of the cobwebs after not playing or training since January. The management team are working on the shape and make up of next years squad and we look forward to be able to make some announcements around this very soon.

Hard work is already going on at the ground by our fantastic supporters, ably aided by West Bowling and generously funded by the BPAFC Development Fund, many thanks. The Stadium is looking great and the new memorial garden will be a big draw come the summer when we hope we will be able to safely welcome supporters back into the ground.

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The National League is delighted to confirm Vanarama will continue as title sponsors through to the 2024/25 season.

The three-year extension outlines the long-term commitment of Vanarama to The National League, Member Clubs and supporters with the new deal taking the working relationship to eleven years.

Since taking over title sponsorship of The National League in 2014, Vanarama has actively raised the profile of the League through innovative campaigns such as MANarama which helped raise over £200k for Prostate Cancer UK.

During the Covid pandemic Vanarama set up a COVID support helpline for National League clubs and local businesses applying for any of the Government financial schemes.

BT Sport will continue to provide excellent exposure for the Vanarama National League over the next three seasons.

Chairman of The National League, Brian Barwick OBE, said: “We are delighted to continue our title sponsorship with Vanarama and thank them for their steadfast support during the past twelve months.  

“This enhanced arrangement will take our partnership up to eleven years. That speaks volumes about the confidence we both have in each other.  

“The National League has found a great organisation to work with and we are pleased Vanarama find the relationship to be equally rewarding.   

“We all look forward to four more years growing our unique partnership”.

The deal coincides with the recent launch of Vanarama’s new brand campaign which encourages its customers to find their new lease life.

“We’re delighted to continue our relationship with The National League,” said Andy Alderson- CEO of Vanarama.

“We have a great affinity for this level of football as it really helped us accelerate the growth of our commercial van leasing business back in 2014. Now in 2021 having just launched our new brand campaign we’re breathing a new lease of life into our sector.

“As we undergo huge growth across our personal car leasing business, we wanted to show our commitment to do the same for grassroots football.

“The clubs and communities at this level have gone through very hard times, we hope that our investment will offer some stability and hope as we all work through the covid pandemic together.”