Craig Ellison Departs Avenue for Congleton Town

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Bradford (Park Avenue) can confirm that goalkeeper Craig Ellison has departed the club through mutual consent to join Congleton Town.

Ellison, affectionately known as “Ello,” made 11 appearances this season, adding to his four appearances during the previous campaign.

Reflecting on his time at the club, Craig shared the following message with supporters:

“It’s been a pleasure! Thank you to the fans for all the support over the two seasons. Frustrated not to have featured as much as I’d like recently due to injury, but that’s football as a veteran. Hopefully, the lads secure promotion and get the club back where it deserves to be!”

We thank Craig for his contributions on and off the pitch during his time at Horsfall Community Stadium and wish him all the best at Congleton Town.

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Eldwick Law & Equality for Workers Union join Avenue sponsors!

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We’re thrilled to welcome Eldwick Law and the Equality for Workers Union (EFWU) as our newest pitchside board sponsors at Bradford (Park Avenue)! 🙌

Eldwick Law is a boutique corporate law firm specializing in tailored legal advice across the corporate and commercial sectors. Their expertise and commitment to excellence make them a valued partner in our Avenue community. Learn more about their services at eldwicklaw.com.

EFWU is an independent UK-based workers’ union dedicated to changing employer attitudes and supporting ALL workers equally. They champion fairness in the workplace and provide vital support for protecting employment rights. Discover how they can help you and your colleagues at efwu.org.

We would also like to extend a huge thank you to our director, Shadow Parvez, for his incredible efforts in securing these sponsorships. Your dedication to the club and its growth is truly appreciated! 💚

Together, we’re building a stronger Avenue—on and off the pitch!

GreenArmy #ThankYou #CommunitySupport #BPAAFamily

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Bradford (Park Avenue) Announce the Loan Signing of Jak McCourt as Player-Coach

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Bradford (Park Avenue) AFC are delighted to announce the signing of experienced midfielder Jak McCourt on loan from Ashton United. McCourt joins the club on a deal until the end of the season, where he will also take on a player-coach role.

We’d like to say a huge thank you to the BPA Development Fund for their help in getting this signing over the line. If you’d like to make a donation, get in touch with DF Chairman Dave Stordy on 01274 512989.”

Alternatively, bank transfers can be made directly to the Development Fund account,

Sort Code 05-02-00

Account Number 29955993

Reference BTB (Boost The Budget).

Donations can help make a difference to bringing in players the manager wants.

McCourt, 29, came through the youth ranks at Leicester City and has played more than 100 games in the Football League for Chesterfield, Northampton Town, Swindon Town, and Barnsley. After being signed by Sol Campbell at then-Football League club Macclesfield Town, McCourt returned to Chesterfield for two seasons in the National League.

He left for Warrington Rylands in 2022 before moving to Step 2 side Buxton under Avenue manager Craig Elliott. Most recently, he has been with Ashton United, and enjoyed a loan spell with Warrington Rylands in November..

Manager Craig Elliott expressed his enthusiasm about McCourt’s arrival:

“Jak is a player who did fantastic for me at my previous club.

“He has vast experience and can dictate a game which is an area I feel we have lacked. He is also a big character for the dressing room which I feel this group needs.

“Added to this, I’m looking forward to welcoming Jak to my management team as he starts his own journey as a player-coach.”

McCourt himself shared his excitement:

“I am delighted to be joining this club and working with Craig again. I have worked with Craig at Buxton, and to be given this opportunity to be joining back up with him as a player-coach was just something I couldn’t turn down.

“I can offer a lot of experience both on the pitch and off the pitch, and by joining here as a player-coach, it’s the start of a new journey for myself, something that I am really looking forward to and getting stuck into.”

Bradford (Park Avenue) fans can look forward to seeing McCourt in action as we travel to Heaton Stannington tomorrow.

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Sponsor the biggest tournament in Bradford!

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Bradford (Park Avenue) AFC is delighted to announce the return of Avey Fest 2025, following its successful launch last year. This unique event is more than a football tournament — it is a celebration of everything that makes Bradford (Park Avenue) special, uniting the entire BPA family, from grassroots teams to the first team, supporters, and the wider community.

Set to take place over two action-packed weekends in May and June, Avey Fest 2025 will host over 168 grassroots teams from across the UK and Ireland, with over 1680 young players showcasing their skills across a variety of age categories.

Sponsorship Opportunities

We are proud to offer a range of exciting sponsorship opportunities for local businesses and organizations to partner with us on this special event:

  • Full Event Sponsorship
    Become the headline sponsor of Avey Fest 2025 with exclusive naming rights and prominent branding on all event materials, banners, and digital platforms.
  • Programme Sponsorship
    Advertise in the Avey Fest 2025 Programme, a must-have souvenir for attendees, or sponsor the entire programme for maximum exposure.
  • Food & Beverage Sponsorship
    Feature your brand at food and beverage stalls, ensuring visibility among players, families, and spectators throughout the event.
  • Awards Sponsorship
    Sponsor the medals and trophies awarded to winning teams and runners-up, ensuring your business is part of the tournament’s most memorable moments.
  • Pitch Sponsorship
    Name a pitch after your business, with signage displayed prominently throughout the tournament.
  • Family Zone Sponsorship
    Support our family-friendly initiatives, including the licensed clubhouse, ice cream stations, and kids’ activities.
  • Parking Sponsorship
    Display your logo in the parking area — a key touchpoint for all attendees.

We are happy to customize sponsorship packages to suit your needs. Get in touch today to make your mark on this exciting event.

Event Highlights

  • Dates: May 31 – June 1 and June 7 – 8
  • Venue: Horsfall Stadium, Bradford, BD6 2NG
  • Categories: Mixed teams (U7–U16) and Girls teams (U7–U14)
  • Format: 5v5, 6v6, 7v7, and 9v9 games
  • Entry Fee: £40 per team
  • Spectator Fees: £2 adults, £1 children

More Than Just Football

Avey Fest 2025 is not just about the matches — it’s about bringing people together. Expect:

  • Thrilling competitive matches and exciting trophies 🏆
  • Refreshments, ice cream, and snacks 🍔🍦
  • A licensed clubhouse bar 🍺
  • A welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere 💚

Feedback from Past Events

The success of our BPA Christmas Cup last year demonstrated the strength of our BPA community. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with one participant describing it as “the best tournament we’ve been to in ages.”

Secure Your Sponsorship Today

Spaces are limited, so act fast to secure your spot as a sponsor or advertiser. For more details, contact:
Pete Kenyon
Commercial Director
Bradford (Park Avenue) AFC
Email: pete.kenyon@bpafc.com

Join us at Avey Fest 2025 for a celebration of grassroots football, community spirit, and everything that is BPA. Together, let’s make this an unforgettable event for everyone involved.

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Bradford (Park Avenue) Sign Goalkeeper Cam Mason on Deal Until End of the Season

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Bradford (Park Avenue) are delighted to announce the signing of goalkeeper Cam Mason on a deal until the end of the season.

We’d like to say a huge thank you to the BPA Development Fund for their help in getting this signing over the line. If you’d like to make a donation, get in touch with DF Chairman Dave Stordy on 01274 512989.

Cam, 28, joins the Club after a spell with Chester FC, where he started the first five matches of the season before an injury sustained during a victory over Scarborough led to an extended period on the side-lines. Earlier in the campaign, he also spent time on loan with Matlock Town.

Originally from Oldham, Cam began his career at Chesterfield, completing his scholarship before moving to Curzon Ashton in 2014. He enjoyed a successful seven-year stint with the Nash, making over 150 appearances. In the summer of 2021, he signed for Southport before moving to Guiseley in January 2023 for an undisclosed fee.

Last season, Cam returned to Curzon Ashton and made 35 appearances, playing a pivotal role in their historic run to the National League North Play-Offs for the first time.

Goalkeeper Coach Karl Lenaghan had this to say on the appointment.

“The Gaffa, Macca, and myself are always looking to strengthen the squad, constantly scouting for players who can add real value.

“When Cam became available, it was an easy decision to bring him in. At just 28 years old, he already boasts a wealth of experience at both the Conference North and National League levels.

“His experience will be invaluable as we continue our push up the league, and we’re confident he’ll play a significant role in helping us achieve our goals.”

Welcome to the Club Cameron! Stay tuned to our socials for team sheets at Saturday’s away match vs Heaton Stannington.

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BRADFORD (PARK AVENUE) WELCOMES MATHEW EVERETT AS NEW COMMUNITY DIRECTOR

Bradford (Park Avenue) is proud to announce the appointment of Mathew Everett as the new Community Director for the Bradford (Park Avenue) Sports Foundation, formerly known as the Horsfall Community Trust. The Foundation has been renamed to better align with the club’s long-term vision of using the power of sport to create a lasting impact in the community.

Mathew joins the club with extensive experience in community sports leadership, including close to seven years with The Leeds United Foundation as Primary Education & School Partnership Lead. During his time there, he played a pivotal role in building educational programs, developing school partnerships, and using football as a tool to inspire positive outcomes for young people across the region.

In his first interview as Community Director, Mathew expressed his passion for community initiatives and his excitement for the role:

“I’ve been involved with football in a voluntary capacity under community trusts prior to coming to Bradford (Park Avenue). I have a real passion for supporting community initiatives and working to provide positive outcomes using the power of sport and football. 

“What really drew me here was getting to know the passionate members of staff involved at the club, who shared their vision for the community work at BPA. It’s inspiring to be part of a team driven to make a difference.”

Mathew highlighted his immediate priorities, which includes supporting the excellent work already underway with existing programs while seeking new opportunities to expand the Foundation’s reach:

“My first focus will be to embrace and support the great work already being delivered. I want to work alongside staff, stakeholders, and most importantly, the beneficiaries, to share the impact of our projects and explore new avenues to better serve the local community. That means listening to people, understanding local challenges, and tailoring our projects to meet those needs.”

Mathew also shared his excitement about Bradford being named the UK City of Culture for 2025 and how the Foundation can play a role in the celebrations:

“With Bradford being named City of Culture 2025, it’s such a fantastic opportunity to be part of something special. Football can be a powerful tool to bring people together, and we want to make sure Bradford (Park Avenue) is right at the heart of that celebration. By using our platform, we can support cultural initiatives, inspire positive change, and showcase everything that makes this city great.”

Watch Mathew’s full interview here – https://youtu.be/ZbTwS3-YiI8

As part of this exciting new chapter, Bradford (Park Avenue) will also be revealing a brand-new logo for the Bradford (Park Avenue) Sports Foundation in the coming weeks. Stay tuned to our social media channels for the latest updates and news on this launch and how you can get involved with the Foundation’s community projects.

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FIXTURE UPDATES – PONTEFRACT & GARFORTH TOWN

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We have two rescheduled Northern Premier League East Division fixtures to announce:

Pontefract Collieries
New Date: Tuesday, 21st January 2025, Kick-off: 7:45pm, Horsfall Community Stadium

Garforth Town
New Date: Tuesday, 18th February 2025, Kick-off: 7:45pm, Horsfall Community Stadium

Mark your calendars and join us under the lights for two exciting evenings of football as we take on our local rivals! Let’s fill the stands and show our support for the lads! 💚⚽️

#GreenArmy #BPAvsPontefract #BPAvsGarforth #BackTheAvenue

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Free Entry for Farsley Celtic 23/24 & 24/25 Season Ticket Holders!

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We’re excited to announce that all Farsley Celtic season ticket holders from seasons 23/24 and 24/25 are invited to attend our home games for free between now and the end of the season!

Football is all about community, and we’re delighted to welcome you to the Horsfall Community Stadium to enjoy some fantastic matches with us. Simply present your Farsley Celtic season ticket at the turnstile to gain free entry.

Let’s come together and celebrate the beautiful game. We look forward to seeing you there! 🟢⚪

#GreenArmy #BPAFC #NonLeagueFamily #FreeEntry #FarsleyCeltic

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Friday Night’s Fixture vs Garforth Town Postponed

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Bradford (Park Avenue) regret to announce that Friday night’s scheduled match against Garforth Town has been postponed due to adverse weather conditions.

Based on expert advice from our pitch installers, PST, we will be unable to clear the pitch without risking irreversible damage to its structure.

The combination of snow and ice adhering to the pitch fibres and crumb presents significant challenges. Any attempt to remove or grit the surface could compromise the integrity of the pitch, rendering it unsafe for play and potentially causing long-term harm to the playing surface.

We understand the disappointment this decision may cause to our fans, players, and officials, but the safety of everyone involved and the preservation of our facilities are of paramount importance.

In related news, West Bowling and Albion Sports will be making decisions regarding their respective scheduled games 24 hours before kick-off, should there be a rapid change in the weather conditions. Please stay tuned to their official channels, @westbowlingarlfc and @AlbionSportsAFC, for the latest updates.

For updates regarding Bradford (Park Avenue), follow our official channels on X, Facebook, Instagram or BlueSky @BPAFCOfficial or visit bpafc.com.

Details of the rescheduled fixture will be communicated in due course. We thank you for your understanding and support.

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Bradford (Park Avenue) Extend Jack Goodman Loan Until the End of the Season

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Bradford (Park Avenue) AFC are delighted to confirm that Jack Goodman’s loan from Doncaster Rovers has been extended until the end of the season.

The talented centre-forward has made a strong impression since joining the club in November, featuring in six matches, scoring once, and providing an assist. Jack’s work ethic and ability to make an impact in key moments have earned him praise from both fans and the coaching staff, making him an important part of the squad.

Jack, who has already made 23 senior appearances for Doncaster Rovers and gained experience from previous loan spells, will continue to play a pivotal role in Bradford (Park Avenue)’s campaign.

Relive Jack’s brilliant goal for the Avenue here 👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5IbZRRa8bLg

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