31 Jul 2025

Avenue Kick Off 2025/26 with FA Cup Clash Against Mossley

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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

🎟 Admission Prices:
£10 Adults / Concessions
£5 Students, Blue Light Card holders, Armed Forces (ID required)
£3 Youth (12–17)
£1 Under 12s
Tickets available online here:
👉 https://app.fanbaseclub.com/Fan/Tickets/SelectType?fixtureId=13230
Or pay on the gate.

🎫 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!

30 Jul 2025

Scholars Begin Pre-Season with Impressive Win Over Hartlepool

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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.

28 Jul 2025

TOM BANKS MEMORIAL TROPHY RETURNS AS AVENUE HOST BRADFORD CITY XI

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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.

28 Jul 2025

Reserves Earn Deserved Win Under the Lights at Horsfall

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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.

24 Jul 2025

Bradford (Park Avenue) Welcome Two US Clubs to Horsfall for International Friendlies

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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.

Watch all the interviews on the video below.

23 Jul 2025

Coach Travel to Matlock – Subsidised by the BPA Development Fund!

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We’re running coach travel for our first league fixture of the 2025/26 season away at Matlock Town on Saturday 9th August (3:00pm KO) – and thanks to the fantastic backing of the BPA Development Fund, we’re able to offer subsidised prices for supporters!

💚 Subsidised Prices:
• Adults – £15
• U17s – £10

📧 To reserve your place, email: Pete.Kenyon@bpafc.com

🚍 Pick-up Points:
• Horsfall Stadium
• Cedar Court Hotel, Bradford
• The Red Kite, Calder Grove (Junction 39, M1) – approx. 20–25 minutes after leaving Bradford

🙏 A huge thank you to the BPA Development Fund for their continued support in helping to grow the Avenue – both on and off the pitch.

Let’s get the Green Army on the road in strong numbers to back the lads at Matlock!

22 Jul 2025

NEXT TUESDAY: Avenue Host Bradford City XI in Final Pre-Season Clash

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Bradford (Park Avenue) return to action next Tuesday evening as they welcome a Bradford City XI to the Horsfall Stadium for their final pre-season friendly before the new campaign kicks off. The annual match will be for the Tom Banks Memorial Trophy.

📅 Tuesday 29th July 2025
🕖 Kick-off: 7:00PM
📍 Horsfall Stadium, BD6 2NG
🎟️ £5 Adults | £1 U18s
🎫 Tickets available now via Fanbase

Craig Elliott’s side come into the match following a positive 2-1 win over Guiseley on Saturday, with goals from Charlie Winfield and Prince Ekpolo sealing the result in a competitive fixture that provided another strong workout for the squad.

Reflecting on the game, First Team Manager Craig Elliott said:

“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.”

Tuesday’s fixture will offer a final opportunity for supporters to see the squad in action before the 2025/26 season officially begins. Avenue kick off their competitive campaign at home to Mossley in the Emirates FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round on Saturday 2nd August.

“I’ve just said to the players – lots of positives. We’re in a good place. Now it’s just about getting everyone back from holidays, fit and ready, and doing a bit more in training before we start the real stuff.”

Don’t miss your chance to back the lads one last time before the competitive action begins!

22 Jul 2025

Club Statement: Striker Paddy Sykes Departs for Campion

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Bradford (Park Avenue) can confirm that striker Paddy Sykes has joined Campion AFC for an undisclosed fee.

Paddy was our top appearance maker last season, featuring 45 times in all competitions and scoring 12 goals. A tireless forward and a key figure in the squad, he consistently gave everything for the shirt and was a popular figure both on and off the pitch.

First Team Manager Craig Elliott said:

“Paddy was superb last season and very much a key player for us. Great lad off the pitch and always gave 100%. However, it was clear he wanted to play more minutes and once we had an offer from Campion it felt best for both parties to accept. I wish him nothing but success at Campion.”

We thank Paddy for his outstanding contribution in green and white and wish him every success in the next chapter of his career.

21 Jul 2025

MATCH PREVIEW: Bradford (Park Avenue) AFC vs Guiseley AFC

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Bradford (Park Avenue) continue their pre-season campaign this evening as they host Guiseley AFC under the lights at the Horsfall Community Stadium.

Saturday’s friendly saw Avenue fall to a physical and well-organised Folkestone Invicta side, but Manager Craig Elliott was still able to take plenty from the performance.

“We got a lot out of that today… Friendlies are about trying to learn and get things out of the game – and we’ve done that, positives and negatives. It gives us another step nearer to the start of the season.”

With a number of players unavailable on Saturday, the match gave opportunities to other members of the squad to impress. Elliott acknowledged there were areas to improve, especially in the second half:

“Some players need to do better, there’s no doubt about that… We weren’t brave enough in the second half, didn’t mix our play or get on the ball enough.”

Looking ahead to tonight, the squad is likely to be stretched again, but Elliott welcomes the challenge as another opportunity to learn and develop.

“Guiseley will be as good as them [Folkestone]… a big team and a team that’ll be doing well this year. So, another test and another chance to see where we are.”

Match Info
📍 Venue: Horsfall Community Stadium, BD6 2NG
⏰ Kick-Off: 7:30pm
🎟 Admission: FREE ENTRY

🍔 Refreshments will be available from the tea hut and bar, and parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

We encourage fans to join us for what promises to be another valuable step on the road to the 2025/26 season.

19 Jul 2025

Double Matchday at Horsfall Today!

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Bradford (Park Avenue) fans are in for a full day of football today, as both our First Team and Reserves are in action at the Horsfall Community Stadium.

The day kicks off at 1:00pm, with the First Team welcoming Folkestone Invicta for the latest fixture in our 2025/26 pre-season schedule. After a solid performance in midweek, Craig Elliott’s side will be looking to build further momentum with another strong showing on home soil.

Entry for the match is completely FREE, so we’re encouraging the Green Army to turn out in force and get behind the lads.

The action doesn’t stop there – at 4:00pm, our Reserves take to the pitch against Emley U23s. Owen Murphy’s squad continues its preparations for the upcoming campaign, and tomorrow’s test promises to offer another good challenge for the developing side.

The bar will be open throughout the day, with plenty of opportunity to enjoy a drink while taking in both matches. Whether you’re coming for one game or making a full day of it, we’d love to see you at Horsfall.

With two matches, free entry, and a great atmosphere on offer, it’s set to be a fantastic day out for fans of all ages.

Saturday 19th July – Matchday Schedule:
🕐 1:00pm – First Team vs Folkestone Invicta
🕓 4:00pm – Reserves vs Emley U23s

Come and spend your Saturday with us at the Horsfall – and enjoy a brilliant day of football with the Green Army!