18 Aug 2023

Liam Hall Signs For Wrexham

Academy starlet, Liam Hall, signs for EFL League 2 side Wrexham AFC!

We can today confirm the departure of Goalkeeper Liam Hall to EFL League 2 Side Wrexham AFC!

Liam Hall joined Bradford (Park Avenue) Academy in 2020. He went on to play in the u19s Alliance League alongside other Academy graduates Zak Kersey, Mason Brewis and Myles La Bastide.

Last season (22/23) the Alliance team took it all the way to the final day of the season, but were just pipped into finishing the season in 3rd place, just 4 points behind Wrexham’s u19s side, who finished as champions.

Liam had his first taste of first team football in the 2021/22 season, playing against Campion AFC in the County Cup, and later that season went on to agree non-contract terms with the club whilst still developing in the Academy under club goalkeeper coach Danny King.

He spent the rest of the 21/22 season training alongside Avenue goalie George Sykes-Kenworthy, and gained his first experience in the National League North when he came on during the final day of the season match, seeing the last 15 minutes of action against Southport.

The following season, Liam briefly joined Ossett United, covering for the unavailable Ed Hall on a dual registration basis in November 2022.

Liam continued to impress the coaches, and played a County Cup game alongside other Academy Scholars and members of the first team against Brighouse Town. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, with Avenue going on to lose out on penalties 1-4.

Just under a month later in December 2022, Hall signed his first professional contract with the Club, an 18-month deal, which also made him the first Academy player to sign a professional deal since Academy Technical Director Thomas McStravick took over.

More recently, Hall has appeared in Avenue’s 2023/24 Pre-Season campaign, playing against Thackley in a 3-1 win, and vs Chorley in a 1-0 win.

You can watch the full interview with Mark Bower on Liam Halls transfer over on our YouTube channel below.

https://youtu.be/oUhI6lxuSic

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1 Aug 2023

McGuire To Leave The Club

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

We can confirm today that Scholarship Lead Coach Patrick McGuire has left the club.

We would like to place on record our thanks to Pat for his work at the club, both with the Juniors and Scholars which he lead to a 3^rd place finish last season.

During his time at the club, Pat has coached players from our U8s to U19s, and also oversaw numerous Academy players make the step up into the first team including 14 for the County Cup match vs Brighouse Town last season, a game Pat managed from the sidelines also. Pat also created links with local non league clubs, which facilitated further opportunities for players to experience first team football.

Pat: ‘I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at The Horsfall, and it has been a privilege to coach in such a fantastic football environment, from the staff to the players and the 1^st class facilities. I look forward to seeing the programme go from strength to strength and wish all involved at BPA all the best for the future.’

Pat moves on wish our best wishes and it goes without saying that he is always welcome at the Horsfall.

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31 Jul 2023

AVENUE PARTNER WITH THCT WITH EAT HEALTHY STAY HEALTHY PROJECT!

by BPAFC Officials | posted in: Academy News, News, THCT News | 0

Avenue partner with THCT to deliver Eat Healthy Stay Healthy project to help deliver positive messages and activities around the importance of eating a healthy diet and living an active lifestyle. Eat Healthy Stay Healthy is funded by The National League Trust. The project has been working in local primary schools and aims to help improve health and wellbeing among the children taking part.

Ann Cosgrove from Allerton CE Primary said;

“I have worked with BPA staff for 3 occasions each time for two full weeks. They are excellent and have a much wider range of skills than simply delivering football. The message really does hit home when professional football coaches are talking about the importance of healthy eating and exercise. Our children love it.”

Academy Technical Director and Community Lead Tom McStravick said;

“We are very mindful of the current cost of living crisis and the impact that this will have, longer term, on our children. As a football club and community focused organisation we are in a great position to be able to make a positive impact on people’s lives. Our school partners have been great and very supportive in our work.”

The Horsfall Community Trust and Bradford (Park Avenue) are planning to extend this project into September 2023 and look forward to an exciting journey ahead.

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10 Jul 2023

NEW PHYSIO – BRAD SMITH

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

We are delighted to announce our new physio for the 23/24 season as Brad Smith.

Brad joins the First Team staff following a year working as Academy Medical & Performance Lead. He also stepped up on multiple occasions last season in a First Team role.

On the signing, Brad said this;

“After being at the academy full time for the last year, it’s great to be trusted and given the opportunity to make the step up. “

“I got to work with the first team short term last year and they all made me feel welcome. They’re a good set of lads, so it will be a pleasure to get involved more long term, and I’m looking forward to getting stuck in.”

Club Secretary Calum Cullen also added this;

“I’m delighted to get this one over the line, Brad is an outstanding physio which he showed in stepping up last season.“

“We are very lucky to have Brad already in the club and i’m sure he will be a real asset to the First Team this season and beyond.“

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29 May 2023

JAMES MAE SET TO STAY!

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

In a show of unwavering support, the James Mae Group have agreed to continue their long-running sponsorship of Bradford (Park Avenue) AFC for the fourth consecutive season.

The prominent company will once again grace the front of both the club’s Home and Away kits, including the Academy and Ladies kits.

Following three successful years of collaboration, the decision to extend the sponsorship deal has generated excitement among everyone associated with the club. The James Mae Group’s ongoing commitment to Bradford (Park Avenue) highlights their belief in the team’s potential and their dedication to promoting the sport at every level.

Expressing his satisfaction with the sponsorship deal, Ed Caffrey, the Managing Director of the James Mae Group, said, “The James Mae Group is pleased to support and sponsor the upcoming 2023/24 season at Bradford (Park Avenue) Football Club.
This will now be our fourth year of sponsorship hopefully showing our commitment to this great club and it’s brilliant players across every level. Long May this partnership continue. Good luck and We wish all the teams every success.”

Football Operations Manager and Club Secretary, Calum Cullen, shared his delight at the continuation of the partnership. “Myself and everybody here at Bradford (Park Avenue) are thrilled that James Mae will be our main kit sponsor for the fourth consecutive season. It’s a genuine testament to Ed Caffrey and his company’s faith in our club, and we are incredibly grateful for their support. We eagerly anticipate their presence at the Horsfall Stadium once again this season.”

You can find out more about the James Mae Group by clicking here

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3 May 2023

Avenue Sign 3 Year Deal With EV2

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

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

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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.

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24 Mar 2023

Kit Supplier 2023/24 | New Deal Secured

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

We can confirm today that at the end of the season, our deal with Macron will finish after 3 seasons.

We have a new supplier contract signed and sealed, and will be releasing the details at the end of the season.

The kit designs are done and signed off, and we look forward to sharing these with you.

The new supplier will also be providing our ‘white label’ leisurewear. Again, a lot of work has gone into these and we have some very good pieces that will start to appear in the shop and online once the season is over.

Everyone at the club would like to place on record our thanks to Macron for the last 3 seasons. Although challenging at times, Macron have been a pleasure to work with on the whole.

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16 Mar 2023

NEW u6’s Junior Skills Centre I Starts 22nd April 2023 🤩

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

We are now recruiting for our NEW u6’s at Bradford (Park Avenue) Academy.

The programme will be delivered by our professional coaches at the wonderful Horsfall Community Stadium.

🗓 Saturday 22nd April 2023
⏰ 9am – 10am
👩👦 5 & 6 year old boys & girls
🏟 Horsfall Community Stadium, BD6 2NG
📧 thomas.mcstravick@bpafc.com
🖋 https://forms.gle/NE9aon4LXQ7zjCzQ8

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17 Feb 2023

Fourth Academy Player Steps Up | Zak Kersey Joins First Team

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

We can confirm today that Academy Midfielder Zak Kersey has agreed non-contract terms with the first team.

Zak has been involved with the first team training for a few weeks now and has done enough to earn himself a deal! Those of you at the game will remember Zak for scoring in the County Cup game against Brighouse earlier this season.

The Academy man joins fellow players Miles La Bastide, Mason Brewis and Liam Hall in making the step up this season. Keep an eye out on our socials for his interview coming very soon!

Will Zak be in the squad tomorrow? Team news from 2pm.

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