Since our relaunch, the Bradford (Park Avenue) Sports Foundation has gone from strength to strength — using the power of football to build stronger, healthier, and more connected communities across Bradford.
Our launch event was a resounding success, bringing together an inspiring line-up of speakers and supporters including Andy McVeigh (Burley Banksy), Andy Cooper (Club CPD Lead), Thomas McStravick (on behalf of Emma Miller), two of Avenue’s U19 graduates heading to university, and the legendary commentator John Helm. With generous support from Shahida’s Café as event sponsor, the day set the tone for the work that has followed.
Since then, the Foundation has delivered a series of impactful projects and partnerships across the district:
- Rotary Kickback – free weekly football sessions giving hundreds of young people safe, structured activities in Bradford’s communities.
- Breaking Barriers – a powerful anti-knife-crime and youth empowerment programme delivered with West Yorkshire Police, NHS partners, and lived-experience speakers.
- Extra Time Club – post-match community football encouraging families and supporters to stay active together.
- Brush Strokes of Belonging – creative SENDiVERSE workshops with Burley Banksy, blending art, football, and inclusion.
- Partnerships with Age UK, Action for Sport, and AllPlay by AirPitch, supporting wellbeing, access, and inclusion for people of all ages and abilities.
From schools and community hubs to matchdays at the Horsfall Stadium, the Foundation continues to expand its reach — inspiring belonging, passion, and ambition in every project we deliver.
💚 Thank you to everyone who has supported our journey so far. Together, we’re creating opportunity, improving wellbeing, and building a Bradford where everyone can belong.
Watch the full video of our Foundation launch below.
The Bradford (Park Avenue) Sports Foundation is a registered charity (Charity Commission Registered Number: 1179447) dedicated to enriching lives and fostering community well-being in Bradford City and Calderdale.
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide opportunities and resources that promote healthy recreation, social welfare, and personal development for individuals and communities within our area of benefit.
The Bradford (Park Avenue) Sports Foundation is delighted to announce the appointment of Mathew Everett as our new Community Director. Mathew brings a wealth of experience in community sport, having spent seven years as the Primary Education & School Partnership Lead at The Leeds United Foundation, where he played a key role in delivering educational programs and using football to inspire young people across the region.
Mathew’s passion for community work and his commitment to making a difference in West Yorkshire made him a perfect fit for the role. Speaking about his decision to join the Foundation, Mathew shared:
“I have a real passion for supporting community initiatives and working to provide positive outcomes using the power of sport and football. What really drew me to Park Avenue was getting to know passionate members of staff who share a vision for making a genuine difference in the community.”
In his new role, Mathew is focused on continuing the outstanding work already being delivered while seeking new opportunities to expand the Foundation’s impact. His immediate priorities will include working closely with key stakeholders and the local community to identify challenges and tailor projects to meet those needs.
“My focus is to embrace and support the great work already being done, listen to the community, and create new opportunities to better serve the people of West Yorkshire. With Bradford being named City of Culture 2025, we have an incredible opportunity to use football as a tool to bring people together and celebrate everything that makes our community special.”
This announcement marks an exciting new chapter for the Bradford (Park Avenue) Sports Foundation, which has recently undergone a rebrand from the Horsfall Community Trust to better reflect its connection with the club and its mission for the future. As part of these changes, a brand-new Foundation logo will be revealed in the coming weeks.
Objectives
The Bradford (Park Avenue) Sports Foundation is committed to:
- Promoting Healthy Recreation:
Encouraging community participation in sports and physical activities by providing facilities for football and other sports that enhance physical and mental health, fitness, and well-being. Facilities include land, buildings, equipment, and organized activities. - Supporting Social Welfare:
Offering and supporting facilities for sport, recreation, and leisure-time activities for individuals who need them due to youth, age, disability, poverty, or social and economic challenges. This work benefits the community by improving overall quality of life. - Empowering Young People:
Acting as a resource for children and young people up to age 30 by offering advice, assistance, and programs in physical, educational, and other activities. These initiatives aim to develop their skills and capabilities, enabling them to participate as independent, responsible members of society.
Our Trustees
The foundation is guided by our dedicated team of trustees, with Mathew Everett as our Community Director.
- Gareth Roberts
- Paul Armitage
- Andrew Hurst
- Shannon Worsley
- Phil Lawler
- Gerry Sutcliffe
- Richard Tordoff
Together, they ensure the foundation stays true to its mission of serving the local community through sport and recreation.
See below some of the work we have done in the past, under our previous name The Horsfall Community Trust.
Eat Healthy, Stay Healthy | Community 🟢⚪️
Our National League Trust funded programme in partnership with our official club Charity The Horsfall Community Trust has been a huge success. Educating children on the importance of a healthy and balanced diet and the link between that and physical performance and general well-being.
Ronnie the Ram paid the children a visit to celebrate the project’s success. It’s great to see BPA in the community and engaging with the next generation of potential Avenue fans.
To find out more info 👉🏻 📧 secretary@bpafc.com
Community #Environment #Opportunity #Healthyeating
