We set off from Buckden at 10am on a wet and misty morning, passing through Hubberholme, Yockenthwaite, and Beckermonds before the climb began. As the wind and rain battered us on the way to Oughtershaw, we pushed through miles of wild open countryside with no shelter in sight.
Then, like a sign from above, a farmhouse at Nethergill offered refuge — warm drinks, a toilet stop, and a place to reset. It gave us just enough fuel to tackle the toughest part of our walk so far.
Kobie found his second wind, powering us up past 550m, the highest point yet!
But nature wasn’t done — as Pen-y-Ghent loomed in the distance and we eyed up Ribblehead Viaduct, the icy wind and rain returned for the final two-hour push. Soaked through to the bone, we arrived at The Station Inn at 4:45pm — tired, drenched, but still smiling.
We raised £625 today, bringing our total to £3,250 (Now at £3,315!) for 👉 Marie Curie 👉 Bradford (Park Avenue) Sports Foundation 👉 Bradford Schools FA
Bradford (Park Avenue) were honoured to be invited to speak at Rotary Bradford West this afternoon, as part of the build-up to Saturday’s Jeff Hall Polio Awareness Match at the Horsfall Community Stadium.
Emma Miller, Friend of BPA
Thomas McStravick, Sporting & Executive Director
Mathew Everett, Community Director
Representing the club were Sporting & Executive Director Thomas McStravick, Community Director Mathew Everett, and Emma Miller – the great-niece of Jeff Hall and a great friend of the club. Emma gave a heartfelt tribute to Jeff, whose untimely passing from polio at the age of 29 had a profound impact on public health in the UK, spurring a nationwide push for vaccination.
Jeff Hall began his playing career with Avenue Reserves, before going on to represent Birmingham City and the England national team, earning 17 international caps. His legacy continues to inspire, and Saturday’s match is dedicated to honouring that legacy.
The day is being held in partnership with the British Polio Fellowship, and proceeds from the bucket collections will support the charity’s vital work with those affected by polio across the UK.
The session with Rotary Bradford West also allowed us to share updates from across the club, including the work of the Bradford (Park Avenue) Sports Foundation, our expanding Football Education Programme, and the introduction of a brand-new HNC/HND Sports Course, giving young people more pathways into sport and higher education.
🎟️ Tickets for the match are available here: 👉 https://app.fanbaseclub.com/Fan/Tickets/SelectType?fixtureId=8659 🔗 Learn more about Rotary Bradford West: 👉 https://www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs/homepage.php?ClubID=184
We’re proud to work alongside our local community and thank Rotary Bradford West for their warm welcome and support in championing such an important cause.
This Saturday, Bradford (Park Avenue) returns home to Horsfall Community Stadium for a special occasion as we take on Grimsby Borough in what promises to be an emotional and meaningful afternoon.
The match will be dedicated to Jeff Hall Polio Awareness Day, in memory of a true footballing great who began his career at Bradford (Park Avenue) before going on to play for Birmingham City and England.
66 years ago this month, Jeff tragically passed away at just 29 from polio. His death shocked the nation and led to a massive increase in public awareness and vaccine uptake, saving countless lives. Jeff’s story is not just part of football history — it’s a vital chapter in public health history too.
We are proud to be partnering with the British Polio Fellowship to raise awareness of polio and Post Polio Syndrome (PPS) — a condition still affecting thousands of people in the UK today.
💚 There will be a minute of reflection ahead of kick-off and opportunities to learn more about the lasting effects of polio, along with ways you can support the ongoing work of the British Polio Fellowship.
🎟 Tickets are available online at discounted rates:
Adults – £10
Concessions – £8
Students, Blue Light, Armed Forces – £5
Youth (12–17) – £3
Juniors (U12) – £1
Please note: discounted prices are available online only. Standard prices apply at the gate. 👉 Book your tickets here
We encourage all supporters to come down, wear green, and help us honour the legacy of Jeff Hall — a footballer, a pioneer, and a hero to many.
The Bradford (Park Avenue) Sports Foundation proudly hosted a powerful and uplifting Interfaith Celebration at the Horsfall Community Stadium today, bringing together people of all faiths, backgrounds, and communities to mark both Eid and Easter through a shared message of unity, education, and belonging.
Football Education Programme Students enjoying the food from Shahida’s Cafe
At the heart of the event was Bradford (Park Avenue)’s expanding Football Education Programme, which empowers young people through sport and study, providing them with the tools to grow, connect, and succeed. This celebration, themed “Exploring the Richness of Different Faiths,” highlighted how football can be a bridge between cultures and a platform for lasting community cohesion.
The event opened with a welcome from Mat Everett, Community Director of the Bradford (Park Avenue) Sports Foundation, who set the tone for an afternoon built on togetherness and open dialogue. He was followed by reflections from Emma Miller, a long-standing friend of the club, and Anne Seneviratne, the club’s Education Consultant, both of whom spoke passionately about the progress and potential of BPA’s students.
Guest speakers offered a wide range of perspectives. Emon Choudhury, Pride of Britain winner and BBC’s Race Across the World 2020 champion, delivered an inspirational keynote speech focused on the importance of unity and ambition. Vicar Foluso Enwerem, of St Aidan’s Buttershaw and St Michael’s Shelf Churches, offered a moving spiritual reflection on togetherness and faith.
The programme also featured powerful words from Dr Ikram Butt, former England Rugby League international, Salem Kader, Managing Director of Bombay Stores Group and Co-Founder of Positive Bradford, Clive Michallat of Action for Sport, and Humayun Islam of Muslim Friendly Employers—each contributing to a shared narrative of hope, opportunity, and mutual respect.
The event closed with an address from Deputy Lord-Lieutenant Paul Lawrence, representing His Majesty the King, who commended the Foundation’s efforts to use football as a force for good across Bradford.
The Foundation extends a special thank you to Emon Choudhury, whose generous sponsorship of the event and the food helped make the day possible. Guests also enjoyed a fantastic spread provided in partnership with Shahida’s Café, which added to the warm and inclusive atmosphere.
Following the event, guests shared their reflections:
Thomas McStravick, Sporting Director at Bradford (Park Avenue), said: “Absolutely brilliant. Great to see so many people here from different backgrounds and faiths. While we might have different beliefs in terms of our faith, we can all come together as humans—and that we’re on the same page.”
Pete Kenyon, Commercial Director, added: “It was nice to bring different cultures together. We had some good speakers and hopefully our students took it all on board.”
Vicar Foluso said: “It’s been a really joyful and inspiring event. Great to see loads of people here from different backgrounds and heritages, all brought together by football. It’s been really encouraging.”
Emon Choudhury commented: “It was amazing—such a groundbreaking event to be a part of. Great to get so many cultures and religions together in one space. Having that community cohesion is instrumental.”
Humayun Islam added: “It was a great event—it was all about unity. Huge thank you to Mat at BPA for putting this on and bringing all these people together.”
Guests also enjoyed a fantastic spread provided by Shahida’s Café, which added to the warm and inclusive atmosphere on the day.
The event stands as a powerful reminder that the Bradford (Park Avenue) Sports Foundation, and the club as a whole, is committed to being far more than just a football team—championing diversity, education, and opportunity for all.
Want to get involved? 📧 Community & Events: Mathew.Everett@bpafc.com 📧 Football Education Programme: John.Sanderson@bpafc.com 📝 Sign up for trials on 1st May here: https://forms.gle/JQDRYCDbHVEHcaS79
Bradford (Park Avenue) would like to extend a huge thank you to Shahida’s Café for their ongoing support of our matchdays and their generous contribution to our recent BPA Sports Foundation launch event.
Shahida’s Café has been a valued partner, and their commitment to the club and the local community is truly appreciated. We are proud to work alongside them and look forward to continuing this partnership throughout the season and into the future.
Located at 2 Buttershaw Ln, Bradford BD6 2DD, Shahida’s Café is a fantastic place to enjoy great food in a welcoming atmosphere, and they are also available through UberEats or JustEat, or by phone on 07396 758178.
Thank you, Shahida’s Café, for your continued support!
The Bradford (Park Avenue) Sports Foundation is delighted to announce the appointment of Anne Seneviratne as our Education Consultant. With a wealth of experience in the education sector, Anne’s expertise will play a pivotal role in shaping our educational initiatives, building school partnerships, and supporting staff development.
Anne is a former Her Majesty’s Inspector (HMI) and a qualified English teacher, having worked across the full secondary range. Her senior leadership experience includes roles as Head of Sixth Form, Assistant Principal, and Vice Principal. She later became an Academy Principal before moving to Ofsted, where she inspected a variety of educational provisions, including primary, secondary, and independent schools, as well as Initial Teacher Education (ITE) partnerships.
During her time at Ofsted, Anne was a member of the quality assurance and national training teams. She authored the influential report ‘Key Stage 3: The Wasted Years?’ and contributed to curriculum research that shaped the Education Inspection Framework. Since 2020, she has worked as an educational consultant and school improvement partner, supporting schools across Liverpool and Manchester.
At the Bradford (Park Avenue) Sports Foundation, Anne’s role will involve enhancing our educational outreach, forging meaningful school partnerships, and leading initiatives that support the development of our staff and young people. We are excited to work alongside her to provide greater opportunities for learning, growth, and community impact.
We’re proud to welcome Anne as our Education Consultant at the Bradford (Park Avenue) Sports Foundation. With a wealth of experience in school leadership, curriculum development, and teacher training, she’ll play a key role in strengthening our educational initiatives.
On Thursday, 6th March, Bradford (Park Avenue) Sports Foundation held a positive and productive meeting with Bradford’s West Yorkshire Police Early Action Team. This exciting new collaboration aims to use football as a tool to engage and support the wider Bradford community, particularly children and families.
As part of this partnership, the Foundation will deliver off-site football sessions, providing children and young people with structured, enjoyable activities that promote teamwork, discipline, and personal development. These sessions will be a crucial part of ongoing efforts to support young people and create stronger community ties.
Additionally, the Foundation has committed to funding a set number of holiday course places for young people who would benefit from extra support, ensuring that those in need can access fun, engaging activities at no cost. By removing financial barriers, the initiative will help more young people benefit from structured sports programmes during school breaks.
Looking ahead, discussions are underway to launch a football project at Bradford (Park Avenue)’s facilities, specifically designed to combat anti-social behaviour and reduce local crime. By providing a safe and positive outlet for young people, the initiative aims to foster a sense of belonging and purpose within the community.
Mat Everett, Community Director at Bradford (Park Avenue) Sports Foundation, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership: “We’re thrilled to launch this partnership, which will have a lasting impact on the children and families in our community. Together, we’ll create positive change through sport, giving young people the opportunity to grow, develop, and stay engaged in a safe and structured environment.”
This collaboration marks an important step in the Foundation’s ongoing mission to make a difference in the lives of young people across Bradford. By working alongside West Yorkshire Police, Bradford (Park Avenue) Sports Foundation is committed to fostering a safer, more inclusive community through the power of football.
To get involved with our Foundation, contact our Community Director Mathew Everett on Mathew.Everett@bpafc.com.
We are very pleased to announce the addition of Gerry Sutcliffe to our Board of Directors. That appointment has been confirmed today at Companies House.
Gerry has also agreed to join the board of our associated charity, The Horsfall Community Trust.
For most of you, Gerry Sutcliffe will need no introduction as he was an MP for Bradford South for over twenty years and the former Minister of Sport and Tourism. He was educated locally at Cardinal Hinsley and Bradford College and was a former leader of Bradford Council.
He has been a supporter of the football club since childhood and remains a keen advocate for the development of sport in South Bradford.
The Board is delighted to have him representing the club locally, which is an aspect of our governance that has been missing.
On joining the Board of directors of Bradford Park Avenue and becoming a trustee of the stadium trust Gerry SUTCLIFFE said
I’m delighted and proud to be asked to join the board by Gareth Roberts and his colleagues. As a child BPA played a big part in my life helping me make life long friendships and today I enjoy playing walking football at Horsfall. I share Gareth’s vision for the club and stadium and will use my experience to turn it into a reality.
The Eat Healthy, Stay Healthy project is funded by the National League Trust and delivered in partnership between The Horsfall Community Trust and BPA Academy. The project is aimed at promoting healthy choices and getting children and young people into good habits, early, to help boost their wellbeing and performance.
The project has been delivered in schools and throughout the BPA Player Pathway.
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.
