As the 2025/26 campaign reaches the Christmas break, it has been a busy and highly productive first half of the season across Bradford (Park Avenue)’s U19s programme and Reserves, with four squads competing across league, cup and national competitions.
The Reserves are managed solely by Owen Murphy, while the U19s programme is overseen by Owen, with Tutor and Sports Therapist Brad Smith supporting the squads and stepping in to take the U19s when required. Together, they have guided players through a demanding schedule while maintaining clear standards and progression routes.
League Campaigns
The U19s programme continues to operate three squads across different competitions: the North West Championship (NWC), North Division One (ND1) and the AoC League.
The NWC side head into the break sitting third in the North West Championship, firmly among the leading teams in the division. The ND1 squad also go into the break in third place, having produced a number of high-scoring performances across the first half of the campaign.
The AoC team continues to play an important developmental role within the programme. Competing in a challenging league and currently positioned in the lower half of the table, the emphasis remains on providing competitive minutes, supporting learning, and allowing players opportunities to progress across squads.
The Reserves, competing in the West Yorkshire Association Football League Division 2, sit second in the table at the halfway point. The year was signed off in positive fashion with a 2–0 home win over Oxenhope Recreation Reserves, providing momentum heading into 2026.
Cup Competitions
In the NFYL League Cup, the ND1 side remain in the competition, having beaten Hyde United 3–1 before progressing past Macclesfield on penalties.
The NWC team also enjoyed a positive cup run, beating Bury 4–1 away before exiting on penalties against Steven Gerrard Academy after a closely contested tie.
Earlier in the season, Avenue also enjoyed a memorable run in the FA Youth Cup, fielding a combined squad drawn from across the U19s programme, selecting the strongest available group regardless of league placement. A 5–1 home win over Garforth Town was followed by a dramatic away tie at Cleethorpes Town, where a second-half equaliser forced penalties, which Avenue won 4–2. The run ended against York City after the fixture was reversed to Horsfall.
From Owen Murphy
Murphy believes the first half of the season has provided a strong platform, with players responding well to clarity and structure.
“The first half of the season has been really successful so far and a really positive start for myself and the players. The progress has been totally down to the players taking on board the information I’ve given them and implementing it on the pitch. The way we play has been very basic, but it’s suited the players because they all understand their roles within the teams. That’s shown in the results, with us sitting high in the league tables.”
Managing three U19s squads has required different approaches depending on experience and stage of development.
“It’s very important to manage the teams differently, as each squad is slightly different — firstly in terms of age, and secondly in how long they’ve been together. The second-year groups have been managed quite strictly so far, which has pushed them to their limits at times, but it’s got the best out of them and both groups are flying at the moment.”
Murphy explained that patience has been key with the first-year scholars.
“The first-year group has had to be managed differently as they’re all new to the programme and adjusting to life away from school. That’s meant taking a more patient approach and easing them into their roles as players. Now they’ve settled, they’ve started to pick up some impressive results and look good as a group heading into the second half of the season.”
The Reserves project has been a significant step forward for both the club and the players involved.
“The reserves are something new to the club and have been a challenge — for me as it’s my first step into senior management, and for some of the players as it’s their first experience of senior football. The consistency within the group is why we’re currently second in the league. It took a while to get going, but once we did the lads have been brilliant. The group is really close and, for me, that’s the most important part.”
He also highlighted how the Reserves strengthen the pathway to the first team.
“The pathway has been there for a number of years, but the reserves now help push players closer to the first team. We’ve had two players training with the first team for the last six weeks, and I believe there are a few more who are ready to step up to first-team training.”
Looking ahead to the new year, Murphy’s expectations remain consistent.
“When the players return, the focus will be on picking the standards back up and starting the new year with positive results. Nothing will change in terms of how we play — it’s about making sure the players are ready and fully fit to deliver the same levels we’ve shown in the first half of the season.”
Finally, Murphy paid tribute to the commitment shown across all four squads.
“I couldn’t be any more proud of the players I coach across all four teams. The work the U19s put in every day to develop on and off the pitch has been immense, and they deserve massive credit for that — especially with the results they’ve achieved. With the reserves, it makes me that little bit more proud as it’s a team I started and a group of players I brought back to the club or brought in. They’ve worked incredibly hard to get to where they are today.”
His aim for the second half of the season is clear.
“I’m hoping the players can replicate the first half of the season. Consistency is key — delivering the same standards every day and every matchday — and hopefully we can continue to compete and win as many games as possible.”
Football Education Programme – September 2026 Intake
Recruitment is now open for the September 2026 intake of the Bradford (Park Avenue) Football Education Programme, combining full-time education with a competitive football pathway within a professional club environment.
A trial and coaching session will take place on:
Friday 6 February | 6:00pm
Horsfall Community Stadium
👉 Register your interest:
https://forms.gle/FE8C1FdXLsJ8oJGa7
For further information, contact John.Sanderson@bpafc.com
