Josh Ashman Returns to Horsfall for 2025/26 Season!

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Bradford (Park Avenue) are pleased to confirm that central defender Josh Ashman has returned to the Horsfall ahead of the 2025/26 season.

The 21-year-old made a strong impression during the 2024/25 campaign, racking up 35 appearances and contributing three goals in green and white. He formed an effective partnership at the back, working well alongside the likes of Mark Beevers, and now returns for another season under Craig Elliott.

Ashman is no stranger to the Northern Premier League, having spent the 2023/24 season at Guiseley AFC following his release from Sheffield Wednesday, where he captained the Under-21 side. A brief spell with Matlock Town followed in mid-2024, before he re-signed with Avenue in time for pre-season preparations.

Josh began his footballing journey with Sheffield Rangers before progressing through the Qualitas private academy and Sheffield Schoolboys, where he was spotted by Wednesday. Joining the Owls at 14, he developed through the ranks, signed a professional contract, and captained their Under-21 squad prior to moving into senior football.

Craig Elliott:

“Josh is a player who has faced challenges but has shown resilience and determination. His background at Sheffield Wednesday and experience in the Northern Premier League will be invaluable to us. We’re excited to have him back onboard.”

We look forward to seeing Josh in action once again throughout the 2025/26 campaign.

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Danny Ellis Joins as Player/Assistant Manager

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Bradford (Park Avenue) AFC are delighted to confirm the signing of experienced defender Danny Ellis, who joins the club as Player/Assistant Manager on a deal running until the end of the 2025/26 season.

A commanding centre-back and respected figure in non-league football, Danny brings with him a wealth of experience from a career that spans over 700 senior appearances and nearly two decades in the game.

A Bradford lad through and through, Danny began his footballing journey at Bradford City, where he spent eight years in the youth system before signing professional terms in 2005. After his release at 19, he joined Guiseley AFC, where he went on to make an incredible 473 appearances across a ten-year spell, helping the Lions win promotion from the Evo-Stik Premier Division to the National League North in 2010, and then into the National League in 2015.

In 2016, he made the move to Harrogate Town, spending two seasons with the Sulphurites before departing when the club transitioned to full-time status. He then joined Farsley Celtic in 2017 and continued his promotion-winning pedigree by playing a vital role in their Evo-Stik League title triumph in 2019. He was later appointed Assistant Manager at Farsley, holding the role for 18 months.

After leaving Farsley, Danny signed for Darlington, making his debut in a 3–0 win over AFC Telford United. Most recently, he featured for Liversedge, where he spent the past six months continuing to influence games at the back with his trademark composure and leadership.

Danny now takes up a dual role at Bradford (Park Avenue), adding strength to the defensive ranks while also stepping into a key leadership position alongside Head Coach Craig Elliott.

Elliott said:

“I have tried to sign Danny for a number of years. I’m delighted it’s finally the right time for both of us to make it happen. It seemed a perfect fit to bring him in, especially as a local Bradford lad and a well-respected character in non-league football.

“He will give us experience as a player when needed, and as an excellent coach will be a big asset to the club. We will be working hard together to create a strong team for next season.”

Danny Ellis also had this to say on his signing:

“I’m obviously delighted to be able to come and both play and work for Bradford (Park Avenue). It’s a club I know well, being from Bradford, and one I’ve been very close to joining in the past.

Craig Elliott has done a great job in management — the success he’s had speaks for itself — so for me, this move was a no-brainer. We’ve had a lot of good conversations, and it’s clear we both share the same goals for this season.

I’m really looking forward to getting started and contributing to what we want to achieve.”

Danny’s leadership qualities, wealth of experience, and deep understanding of the game make him an exciting addition as we continue building toward a competitive 2025/26 campaign.

Welcome to the Avenue, Danny!

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£75 Season Tickets Available at Horsfall!

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Early Bird Season tickets for the 2025/26 season are available to purchase and collect in person this week at the Horsfall Community Stadium.

Buy online now and collect same day! Options for PayPal pay later/Pay in three, card, or cash upon collection – https://bpafc.com/product/2025-26-season-tickets/

Or if you prefer to pay in person, this week we are open:

  • Wednesday 30th April: 1:00pm – 9:00pm
  • Thursday 1st May: 1:00pm – 9:00pm

Next weeks opening times:

  • Monday to Friday 1:00pm-9:00pm

You can pay by cash or card, and once purchased, your ticket will be printed on the spot for immediate collection.

💷 Early Bird Prices (until June 30th):

  • Adults & Concessions – £75
  • Blue Light, Armed Forces, Students, EFL/NL ST Holders – £50
  • Youth (12–17) – £30
  • Under-12s – £10

If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact our Club Operations Manager at Thomas.Ogden@bpafc.com.

Thank you for your support – we look forward to welcoming you at Horsfall.

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£5 ADULTS, £1 U18S FOR OUR FINAL MATCH OF THE 24/25 SEASON!

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Today, Saturday, 26th April 2025, we’re taking on Ashington AFC at Horsfall Community Stadium! It’s our final match of the season, and we’re looking to finish strong as we build towards next season’s promotion!

🏟️ Match Details:

  • Kickoff: 3:00 PM
  • Admission: £5 for Adults, £1 for U18s
  • 🍻 Happy Hour: Pre-match 2-3 PM & Post-match 5-6 PM – enjoy pints at discounted prices!
  • 🎶 Live Music: From Good Question at 6 PM
  • 🏆 End of Season Awards: 6:45 PM – Let’s celebrate the season’s achievements!

🎟️ Get your tickets now: https://app.fanbaseclub.com/Fan/Tickets/SelectType?fixtureId=8660

Already purchased your Early Bird Season Ticket for 2025/26? You can pick it up at the gate! Haven’t grabbed yours yet? We’ll be open from 1 PM today for new purchases.

Let’s pack the stadium and finish the season on a high, Green Army! We can’t wait to see you there! 💚

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Season Tickets Available This Week at Horsfall – Open from 1pm Until 8:30pm

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Season tickets for the 2025/26 season are available to purchase or collect in person this week at the Horsfall Community Stadium.

We are open from 1pm until 8:30pm on Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday, and you can pay by cash or card. Head up the yellow stairs to the Horsfall offices once you’re here. Once purchased, your ticket will be printed there and then for immediate collection. You can also purchase online and collect same day from the stadium.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact our Club Operations Manager at Thomas.Ogden@bpafc.com.

Thank you for your support – we look forward to seeing you at Horsfall.

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BRADFORD (PARK AVENUE) JOIN ROTARY BRADFORD WEST TO PROMOTE POLIO AWARENESS MATCH IN HONOUR OF JEFF HALL

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.

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.

Bradford #ParkAvenue #GreenArmy

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Jeff Hall Polio Awareness Day – Bradford (Park Avenue) vs Grimsby Borough

📅 Saturday 19th April 2025
3:00PM Kick-Off
📍 Horsfall Community Stadium, BD6 2NG
🆚 Bradford (Park Avenue) vs Grimsby Borough
🎟 Click here for tickets – online discounts available only

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.

#JeffHall #PolioAwareness #BritishPolioFellowship #GreenArmy #BPAvGB #NonLeagueFootball #PPSAwareness #WeAreAvenue

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Season Ticket Collection & Sales – This Week at Horsfall

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Season Tickets Now on Sale at Horsfall – Cash or Card Accepted

Season tickets for the 2025/26 campaign are now available to purchase in person at the Horsfall Community Stadium, with both cash and card payment options accepted.

We are open for in-person sales and collections:

  • Wednesday 16th April: until 9:00pm
  • Thursday 17th April: 1:00pm – 9:00pm

You can also purchase your season ticket at this Saturday’s home fixture against Grimsby Borough, either in the Tuck Shop or Clubhouse bar. Tickets bought on matchday will be available to collect after the final whistle or at a later date if preferred.

Opening Times Next Week:

  • Monday 21st – Thursday 24th April: 1:00pm – 9:00pm

If you have any questions or need further information, please contact our Club Operations Manager via Thomas.Ogden@bpafc.com.

We look forward to seeing you at Horsfall and thank you for your continued support.

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MATCH PREVIEW – BRIGHOUSE TOWN VS BRADFORD (PARK AVENUE)

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Match Preview provided by Charlie Elliott

Bradford (Park Avenue) travel to the Yorkshire Payments Stadium this Saturday to take on relegation-threatened Brighouse Town in a 3pm kick-off, with both sides desperate for points—but for very different reasons.

With just four games remaining in the Northern Premier League East Division, Avenue currently sit 10th. While a late push could take them as high as 8th, there’s little left to play for in terms of league position. However, for the players, these final fixtures are far from meaningless. Manager Craig Elliott is already looking ahead to a serious promotion push in the 2025/26 season, and these games present a final opportunity for individuals to stake their claim for a place in next year’s squad.

For Brighouse Town, the situation is much more urgent. They are 18th in the table, just one point clear of the drop zone, with Ossett United hot on their heels. The bottom half of the table is incredibly tight—only six points separate 19th and 11th—meaning every result could make or break a season. Brighouse will be fighting for their lives, and Avenue can expect a spirited performance.

Avenue come into the fixture following a 1-1 draw against Sherwood Colliery. Jordan Preston scored in the 30th minute—his second in three games—but the hosts were pegged back by a penalty converted by Carter Widdowson. Despite the result, Avenue showed encouraging signs and will be keen to build on their performance, turning chances into goals as the season winds down.

Brighouse, meanwhile, have taken four points from their last three outings, including a damaging 4-1 defeat to Sherwood Colliery. In-form forwards Danny Edwards and Rhys Plater have each scored twice in that time and will be ones to watch this weekend.

When the two sides met at the Horsfall back in August, the match ended in a 1-1 draw. Niah Payne opened the scoring for Brighouse in the 31st minute, before Dan Francis equalised just before the hour mark. A lot has changed since that encounter, but with Brighouse battling to stay in the division and Avenue players pushing to secure their futures, this weekend’s match promises to be a competitive affair.

Admission at the Yorkshire Payments Stadium is as follows:
Adults £10, Concessions £7, 12–16yrs £2, Under-12s Free.

Make the trip and support the lads. Your backing means everything.

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Match Report: Sherwood Colliery 1 – 1 Bradford (Park Avenue)

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Match Report provided by Charlie Elliott

Date: Saturday, 5th April 2025
Venue: Debdale Park
Kick-off: 3:00 PM

Bradford (Park Avenue) made the trip to Debdale Park on Saturday, 5th April to take on Sherwood Colliery in a competitive Northern Premier League East Division clash. The game ended in a 1-1 draw, with Jordan Preston opening the scoring for Avenue in the first half, before Carter Widdowson equalised from the penalty spot early in the second half.

Avenue started brightly, controlling possession and moving the ball confidently, creating problems for the home side. Early efforts from inside and outside the box tested the Sherwood goalkeeper, who was forced into a couple of smart saves.

Despite their dominance, Avenue couldn’t find the breakthrough early on. Sherwood had a good chance in the 22nd minute when Robson Doolan struck well from the edge of the box, but Cameron Mason produced a fantastic save to keep the score level. Gabriel Wadsworth also had a go from distance for Avenue, but his effort lacked power.

The breakthrough came in the 30th minute. Avenue sliced through Sherwood’s midfield with slick passing, and Sonny Whittingham delivered a pinpoint cross from just outside the box. Paddy Sykes met it with a powerful header that was brilliantly saved by Jordan Pierrepont, but Sykes reacted quickly to square the rebound to Jordan Preston, who slotted the ball home from close range to make it 1-0.

Sherwood responded almost immediately with a ball over the top to Charlie Clements, but he failed to make solid contact, and Mason collected comfortably. Just before the break, Whittingham nearly doubled Avenue’s lead with a curling effort that went narrowly wide.

Early in the second half, Preston held the ball up well before laying it off to Sykes, who drove into the box but blazed his shot over the bar. Moments later, Sherwood launched another long ball forward, with Alexander Duhameau getting in behind the Avenue defence. As he touched the ball past Mason, the Avenue keeper brought him down. The referee pointed to the spot and Mason received a booking. Carter Widdowson stepped up and sent Mason the wrong way to level the score at 1-1 in the 54th minute.

Sherwood grew into the game and continued to exploit balls in behind Avenue’s defence. Mason had to rush out and head clear under pressure, but the ball fell kindly for Sherwood. Clements fired a shot off the post, and William Gillies’ follow-up was superbly saved by Mason.

Clements remained a threat and soon found Harry Bircumshaw unmarked in the box, but once again, Mason pulled off a tremendous save to keep the scores level.

Avenue gradually regained control and began to string passes together again. Sykes had another chance after Josh Ashman flicked the ball into his path, but his near-post effort was well saved by Pierrepont.

As the match became more open, Sherwood looked dangerous going forward, particularly through Clements. In one dramatic moment, a defensive slip left Avenue facing a four-on-one situation, but captain Mark Beevers made a heroic block to deny a certain goal.

Iyrwah Gooden impressed down the left, beating his marker and fizzing a dangerous cross into the box which nearly deflected in off a Sherwood defender for an own goal, but the ball somehow stayed out.

Avenue pushed hard in the final 10 minutes. Myles La Bastide cut inside from the right and struck a powerful effort towards the near post, but Pierrepont made another good stop. Deep into stoppage time, Avenue failed to clear their lines and Ewan Robson unleashed a well-struck volley from inside the area, but Mason held on once more to secure a point.

The game ended level, with both sides sharing the spoils in a hard-fought encounter that saw strong performances from both goalkeepers.

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