Horsfall Hosts the Next Wave of Matchday Storytellers

The Bradford (Park Avenue) Sports Foundation has successfully delivered Part 1 of Words of the Game, an innovative project using football to support literacy and oracy development in schools across the BD6 and BD7 areas.

Funded by Pitching In’s Trident Community Fund and delivered in partnership with TagTiv8 and Burley Banksy, the programme uses the matchday environment at Horsfall to bring learning to life in a creative and engaging way.

Matchday Learning in Action

Part 1 of the project saw pupils attend a live matchday experience at Horsfall Community Stadium, where they took part in a structured workshop focused on match report writing.

Using the game as inspiration, students were encouraged to observe, analyse and capture key moments, developing their writing and communication skills in a format that felt relevant and exciting. The session created a strong connection between football and literacy, helping pupils engage with writing in a new and meaningful way.

Creating Opportunity Through Partnership

The delivery of Words of the Game has been made possible through strong partnership working. Support from the Pitching In Trident Community Fund has enabled the Foundation to respond directly to local educational needs, while TagTiv8 and Burley Banksy have helped bring creativity and energy to the project.

Together, the programme has provided young people with an opportunity to express themselves, build confidence and develop key skills in a supportive environment.

Looking Ahead to Part 2

Following the success of the initial matchday session, the Foundation will continue working closely with local schools over the coming weeks to develop Part 2 of Words of the Game.

This next phase will focus on further engagement in schools, building on the foundations of Part 1 and supporting pupils as they continue to develop their writing and creative skills.

A Platform for Young Voices

Words of the Game is about more than writing. It is about giving young people a platform, helping them find their voice and showing how football can be used as a powerful tool for education and personal development.

The Bradford (Park Avenue) Sports Foundation looks forward to continuing the journey with local schools and seeing the impact of the programme grow in the weeks ahead.

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Bradford (Park Avenue) Hosts Ramadan Community Event at Horsfall

Last Monday (9th March), Bradford (Park Avenue) was proud to host a special Ramadan community gathering at Horsfall, delivered in partnership with the BPA Sports Foundation, ISSE Ltd and Sported.

Titled “Connect, Collaborate and Inspire,” the evening brought together community leaders, grassroots sports organisations, faith representatives and local partners from across Bradford. The event created a welcoming space for people to connect, reflect and strengthen relationships with others who share a passion for creating positive opportunities across the city.

Ramadan is a time centred around community, generosity and reflection, making it a fitting moment to bring together organisations working towards the same goal — helping to build a stronger, more inclusive Bradford.

Throughout the evening, guests heard from a number of speakers who highlighted the role sport can play in strengthening communities and breaking down barriers. Contributions included Matt Everett, Community Director at the BPA Sports Foundation, and Dr Ikram Butt from Sported.

A panel discussion also explored the role of sport in promoting inclusion and community cohesion. Panellists included Reverend Nathan A Javed, Matt Everett, Nalette Tucker from Sunnah Sports and Verity from Sported, who shared their experiences of using sport as a platform for positive social change and bringing communities together.

The evening concluded with the opening of the fast, led by an Imam, before guests came together to share an Iftar meal. The gathering provided a valuable opportunity for attendees to continue conversations, exchange ideas and build partnerships that can help deliver lasting impact within communities across Bradford.

At Bradford (Park Avenue), belonging sits at the heart of everything we do. Hosting events like this demonstrates the power of sport and community spaces to bring people together, celebrate different cultures and backgrounds, and create opportunities for meaningful collaboration.

This sponsored sporting community event was the first of its kind held at Horsfall during Ramadan, and we hope it will be the beginning of many more opportunities to connect communities through sport and shared experiences.

Bradford (Park Avenue) would like to thank the BPA Sports Foundation, ISSE Ltd and Sported for their partnership, and everyone who attended for helping make the evening such a positive and inspiring occasion.

To continue supporting the Foundation’s aims of bringing sport, opportunity and community to Bradford donate here https://localgiving.org/charity/bpasportsfoundation

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World Book Day 2026 Competition Results Confirmed

Bradford (Park Avenue) is delighted to confirm the results of our World Book Day 2026 competition, with a fantastic response from schools across the city.

A total of 23 different schools were entered, with hundreds of comments helping make this year’s competition another great success.

After counting all entries, the top three schools are:

1. Blakehill Primary School – 21 entries
2. Chellow Heights Special School – 17 entries
3. Woodlands CE Primary – 13 entries

Thanks to the generous support of Stephen White Books, each of the top three schools will receive 100 books, as well as free tickets for our home match against Redcar on Saturday 21 March.

The top three schools will also enjoy a special visit from Ronnie The Ram.

All other schools who entered the competition will also receive free tickets for the Redcar match at the Horsfall Community Stadium.

Below is the full list of schools entered and their total number of entries:

Blakehill Primary School – 21
Chellow Heights Special School – 17
Woodlands CE Primary – 13
Reevy Hill Primary School – 12
Foxhill Primary School (Queensbury) – 8
Clayton St John C of E Primary – 3
Low Moor Primary School – 2
Woodside Academy – 2
Brighouse High School – 2
St Winefride’s Catholic Primary School – 2
St Paul’s C of E Primary School (Wibsey) – 1
Wibsey Primary School – 1
Wilsden Primary School – 1
Thornton Primary School – 1
St Michael and All Angels Primary School – 1
St William’s Catholic Primary School – 1
Park Aspire Alternative Provision Academy – 1
Calverley CofE Primary School – 1
Farfield Primary School – 1
Shibden Head Primary Academy – 1
Cullingworth Primary School – 1
Cottingley Village Primary School – 1
Russell Hall Primary School – 1

We would like to thank every school, parent, carer and supporter who got involved and helped make the competition such a success. We will be in touch with schools shortly with further details on tickets, book deliveries and visits.

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Chairman’s Message: Looking Ahead to 2026

As we approach the holidays and the New Year, I would like to wish everyone my very best wishes for the coming year.

This season we have made a significant investment in the First Team and the results have followed. We wanted to challenge for promotion and Craig has built a team to do that. Fingers crossed.

Off the field there are many challenges. Overall, the economy is not good, with sport and leisure bearing the greatest impact. Thomas and his staff are working hard to get more supporters to our games, but it is not easy.

Our charitable work through the BPA Foundation continues to grow, and we have added Mat Everett to lead our efforts there.

I have visited Bradford twice in recent weeks, listening to stadium plans and talking with possible future investors in the club.

As we all look to the future, I want to thank our supporters, volunteers and all our employees, and wish everyone a happy and healthy 2026.

Gareth Roberts
Chairman, Bradford (Park Avenue) AFC

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Bradford (Park Avenue) Christmas Holiday Camps!

The Bradford (Park Avenue) Sports Foundation is delighted to welcome young people back to Horsfall this festive season for our Christmas Holiday Camps.

Perfect for primary and secondary school-aged children, the camps offer a fun and active environment during the school break – with football, multisport, and a mix of indoor and outdoor activities led by our qualified Foundation coaches.

These sessions are open to all, with free places available via the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme for eligible families receiving benefit-related Free School Meals.

Camp Information
Location: Horsfall Community Stadium, Cemetery Road, BD6 2NG
Dates:
Saturday 20 December 2025
Monday 22 December 2025
Tuesday 23 December 2025
Times: 9:30am – 2:30pm
Ages: Primary & secondary school age
Cost: £10 per day

How to book
Sign up using our online form:
https://forms.gle/MxrqCY6xyfjE8r4HA

If eligible for benefit-related Free School Meals, please register for free places through the HAF Parent Portal:
https://bradford.haf.fun/login

These camps are a fantastic opportunity for children across Bradford to stay active, build confidence, and enjoy a fun-filled school holiday experience.

For more information, please contact:
Mathew.Everett@bpafc.com

We look forward to seeing everyone at Horsfall for a brilliant Christmas of sport and festive fun.

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David Logan achieves Level 1 SEG Awards in Employability Skills

Bradford (Park Avenue) are delighted to congratulate David Logan on successfully achieving his Level 1 SEG Awards in Employability Skills as part of our Enrichment Programme.

Over the last year, David has worked across a variety of roles in and around the stadium, developing practical skills, building confidence, and creating a strong foundation for his next steps. His continued progress is a great example of what the programme aims to support.

David reflected on his achievements, saying:

“I have enjoyed my time on the enrichment project, it has helped me to build my confidence and I am proud to have my certificate. It is a big accomplishment to do it, and my favourite part of the programme is the coaching and media work.”

David’s mum, Donna, also shared her pride:

“I am really proud of David, the enrichment programme has really helped him progress. It is doing him a world of good. He’s doing really well in all aspects and seems to be growing up a bit more.”

His tutor, Tina Ratnik (E.D.G.E – working in partnership with BPA), praised David’s commitment throughout the programme:

“We set the Enrichment Project up to help young people who may struggle to thrive in a traditional educational setting, the achievements of David show how this project can impact both the young person and their family. I have been working with David for over a year now and the development in his confidence is lovely to see. He has worked hard to complete this qualification and used lots of different skills in and around the stadium to build a varied portfolio of evidence. We are now looking to move onto a Level 2 qualification which is excellent progress.”

Congratulations David – we look forward to continuing to support your journey.

For more information on E.D.G.E or our Enrichment Programme, please contact: tinaratnik.edge@gmail.com

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Bradford (Park Avenue) and Sports Foundation Explore New Partnership with Leeds Bradford Airport

Bradford (Park Avenue) AFC and the Bradford (Park Avenue) Sports Foundation recently held a highly productive meeting at Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) to explore a new partnership that could benefit the wider club, our Foundation programmes, and communities across Bradford.

Representing both the club and Foundation, Community Director Mathew Everett met with Kunaal James Wharfe and Lindsay Beresford FCIPD to discuss how Bradford (Park Avenue) and LBA could work together across several exciting areas, strengthening local connections and creating new opportunities for young people, supporters, and staff.

The group identified three key areas to develop further:

Careers & Aspirations

Collaborating on pathways and opportunities for post-16 students linked to LBA, including careers engagement, workplace visits, and potential education-to-employment routes for young people involved in the club and Foundation.

Charity Football Match

Planning a fun, engaging charity football match for Leeds Bradford Airport staff — using football to promote wellbeing, teamwork, and fundraising for community projects.

Advertising & Visibility

Exploring mutually beneficial visibility and sponsorship opportunities, strengthening the connection between LBA and Bradford (Park Avenue), and supporting the growth of both the club and Foundation brand.

This meeting reflects the shared commitment of Bradford (Park Avenue) AFC and LBA to support young people, create opportunity, and champion the Bradford district through partnership working.

Special thanks to our ED&I Consultant Humayun Islam BEM BCAc for helping connect both organisations and contributing to the discussion.

Bradford (Park Avenue) AFC and the Sports Foundation look forward to progressing these ideas and building a strong, long-term relationship with Leeds Bradford Airport.

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BOOK NOW: KURRYOKE NIGHT AT HORSFALL!

Bradford (Park Avenue) are excited to host our Kurryoke Night on Friday 28th November from 7pm, held in the James Mae Group Hospitality Suite at the Horsfall Community Stadium.

The event raises funds for both our Junior teams and the BPA Sports Foundation, supporting grassroots football and community initiatives across Bradford.

We are proud to announce that the evening is sponsored by MyLahore, who are generously providing £500 worth of starters for everyone attending. We are also happy to announce that our sponsors Shahida’s Cafe are also providing some extras for the evening. Huge thank you to both MyLahore and Shahida’s for their invaluable support of our foundation and club.

Alongside this, your £5 ticket includes:

  • A free curry supper with starters
  • One free raffle entry
  • Live karaoke from JJsounds Disco & Karaoke Services
  • Access to Happy Hour between 6pm–7pm

This is an 18+ only event.


How to Buy Tickets

You can book online, or buy in person at the Horsfall during the following times:

This Week

  • Tonight: open until 9pm
  • Friday: 1pm–7pm
  • Sunday: 12pm–4pm

Next Week

  • Tuesday: 1pm–7:30pm (before our match, KO 7:45pm)
  • Wednesday & Thursday: 1pm–9pm

On The Day

Tickets can also be purchased on the door or prior to the event from 1pm–6pm. Please let us know if you would like to pay on the door: 📩 Thomas.Ogden@bpafc.com
This helps us cater for allergies and ensures we can cook the correct amount of food.


🎟️ Book your tickets online:
https://app.fanbaseclub.com/Fan/Tickets/SelectType?fixtureId=16069


Can’t make it? You can support the BPA Sports Foundation with a one-off or monthly donation:
https://localgiving.org/charity/bpasportsfoundation

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BOOK NOW: KURRYOKE NIGHT AT HORSFALL!

Bradford (Park Avenue) are delighted to announce our upcoming Kurryoke Night — taking place on Friday 28th November from 7pm in the James Mae Group Hospitality Suite at the Horsfall Community Stadium.

The event will raise funds for both our Bradford (Park Avenue) Juniors and the BPA Sports Foundation, supporting grassroots football and community initiatives across the city.

Tickets are £5 per head, which includes a free curry supper and one free entry into the evening raffle. Entertainment will be provided by JJsounds Disco and Karaoke Services, bringing a night of great music, fun and singalongs! 🎤

The bar opens from 7pm, but don’t miss out on Happy Hour between 6–7pm — feel free to come down early and get settled before the singing begins.

This will be a fantastic evening of music, laughter, and community spirit — all while supporting two great causes that continue to make a real difference in Bradford.

🔞 Please note: This is an 18+ only event, and all tickets must be booked through Fanbase.

🎟️ Book your tickets now:
https://app.fanbaseclub.com/Fan/Tickets/SelectType?fixtureId=16069

Can’t make it? You can support our Foundation with a one-off or monthly donation:
https://localgiving.org/charity/bpasportsfoundation

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Brush Strokes of Belonging: Creativity and Inclusion at Horsfall Stadium

The Bradford (Park Avenue) Sports Foundation is proud to announce Brush Strokes of Belonging — a unique creative and active workshop taking place at Horsfall Community Stadium on Monday 27 October 2025 (10am–2pm).

Designed for young people aged 8–16 — with a particular focus on neurodivergent children and young people with autism, ADHD, and SEMH needs — this special event offers a supportive environment to express creativity, build confidence, and connect through sport and art.

Delivered in partnership with Burley Banksy (Andy McVeigh) and SENDiVERSE Festival 2025, the workshop will give participants the opportunity to design and paint large-scale football-themed banners that celebrate community, belonging, and self-expression. Each banner will be proudly displayed around the stadium, allowing young people to see their creativity showcased in a public space.

Alongside the art sessions, participants will also enjoy inclusive football activities led by Foundation coaches — promoting teamwork, fun, and physical wellbeing in a relaxed, supportive setting. The combination of art and sport reflects the Foundation’s mission to make every child feel valued, confident, and connected, both on and off the pitch.

The celebration doesn’t end there — all participants will be invited back for a follow-up event on Saturday 15 November 2025, when Bradford (Park Avenue) host Consett (3pm kick-off). The young artists will attend the match as official mascots, with their artwork displayed around the ground, celebrating inclusion, creativity, and community spirit.

💚 Event Details
Date: Monday 27 October 2025
Time: 10:00am – 2:00pm
Location: Horsfall Community Stadium, BD6 2NG
For: Young people aged 8–16 (must be accompanied by a parent/carer)
Focus: Neurodivergent children and young people with autism, ADHD, and SEMH needs

🎨 Follow-Up Event:
Saturday 15 November – Bradford (Park Avenue) vs Consett (3pm KO)
Participants will attend as matchday mascots and see their artwork showcased around the ground.

👉 Sign up here: https://forms.gle/Bb8RF71WtBmemm1y5
📩 For more information: Mathew.Everett@bpafc.com

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