Our postponed match vs @safc has now been rearranged for Monday 16th January 2023 with a 7:45pm KO.
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Academy Keeper Liam Hall Signs 18 Month Contract!
We are delighted to announce that Academy Keeper Liam Hall has penned an 18 Month Contract with the first team.
Liam, who has been on a non-contract since the 2021/22 season is now under contract until the end of the 2023/24 season.
This marks a major milestone for the academy, with Liam being the first to sign a deal since Academy Technical Director Tom McStravick came into the club.
On the deal, Tom had this to say ‘ I am delighted that Liam has been offered an 18-month professional contract with us at Bradford (Park Avenue). Not only does it show that our pathway is open to those who work hard enough and ultimately are good enough but it also shows a commitment from us as a club in the development of young players. Liam has demonstrated a commitment to his work each day and a constant determination to improve his game. This sends a message to current and potential new scholars that opportunities are available, if you want it and are good enough, at this club’.
Danny King, first team coach, who has worked with Liam since his arrival into the club and seen his development commented ‘Liam has improved greatly since coming to the club, working with an excellent goalkeeper in George Sykes-Kenworthy and with the experienced players in our team, Liam has matured into a very good player. This has seen him already have a taste of men’s football, in the County Cup last year against Campion, and making his debut against Southport in the last league game of the 2021/22 Season. This year saw Liam take a further step in playing for Ossett United, before another County Cup game vs Brighouse. I’m delighted for Liam, who with a continued hard working approach, has a bright future. Well done to Tom and the academy staff, and hopefully there are more to come!’
Everybody at the club wishes Liam well as he progresses in his career, well done Liam!
You can watch Liam’s first interview with the club on our YouTube Channel below.
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MATCH PREVIEW – Farsley Celtic (H)
This Boxing Day The Green Army play host to the Celt Army in the Vanarama National League North. Please note that Kick Off is set for the earlier time of 1pm.
Bradford (Park Avenue) will be aiming to serve up a Christmas cracker for their home support as they host West Yorkshire rivals Farsley Celtic at the Horsfall Community Stadium on Boxing Day, the first of a festive double-header between the two sides.
A rejuvenated Avenue are heading into Monday’s derby off the back of an impressive three wins in a row and will hope that the two postponements since their last outing, a 1-0 home victory over AFC Telford United, will have given their players enough recuperation to continue their climb up the table.
The visitors this weekend currently occupy one of the four relegation spots in the National League North, sitting in 22nd place as they make the short seven-mile journey across West Yorkshire.
Like many clubs outside of the top two divisions of the Football League, the cold weather has also disrupted Farsley’s December fixtures, but their last outing earlier in December saw them record a surprise 2-0 victory at home to high-fliers King’s Lynn Town, only the latter’s third league defeat of the season. However, Farsley’s lack of consistency has proven to be a problem in their bid to avoid relegation as they are yet to secure back-to-back wins in this campaign.
Revenge will no doubt be on the minds of the Avenue players and staff following last month’s defeat to Farsley in the FA Trophy. Farsley emerged victorious at the Horsfall with a narrow 2-1 victory, dumping Bradford (Park Avenue) out of the competition in just the Second round.
However, with Farsley sat six points behind Bradford (PA) with two games in hand, the Avenue faithful might argue the importance of the upcoming league fixtures instead, as a win on Monday would move them nine points clear of their rivals.
Avenue boss Mark Bower will have no complaints about the goal contributions from his players in previous games, with five players contributing to the six goals scored in the recent run of victories.
Jordan Preston was particularly impressive in the victory over AFC Telford United last time out, with the Scottish striker netting his first goal since joining on loan from Spennymoor Town. Bower will be hoping for more of the same over the festive period.
A win on Monday for the Avenue is also essential to improve their disappointing head-to-head record against the visitors. From the previous six league meetings between the two sides, the Green Army have only been victorious twice.
However, the last league meeting between the two clubs back in March saw the Avenue emerge with a 1-0 home victory. This, coupled with Farsley failing to pick up any points in their previous four away fixtures this term, means Bradford (Park Avenue) will have their sights firmly set on the win.
Match Preview by Stephen Grimshaw
Where To Find Us
Bradford (Park Avenue) AFC
Horsfall Community Stadium
Cemetery Road
Bradford
West Yorkshire
BD6 2NG
Directions By Car:
Leave the M62 at junction 26 and follow signs for the M606. Continue on the M606 to junction 3 and take the A6117 exit to Ring Road West. At the roundabout take the 2nd exit on to Rooley Lane / A6036 signposted Halifax. Pass the Odsal Stadium on the left hand side and at the next roundabout take the 3rd exit on to Halifax Road / A6036 signposted Halifax. After approximately one mile turn left down Cemetery Road immediately before the Kids Planet Children’s Nursery, and the ground is 150 yards on the left. We have a car park which will be signposted off Cemetery Road and parking charges may apply.
Directions By Train:
Bradford Interchange rail station is the nearest to the ground and trains operate on the Calder Valley Line timetable from Bradford, Halifax, Huddersfield, Manchester, Preston and York.
From there you can catch the bus directly to the ground (details below).
Bradford Forster Square rail station There are regular services from Leeds (Leeds-Bradford Line timetable), Skipton (Airedale Line timetable) and Ilkley (Wharfedale Line timetable).
From Forster Square it is a 10 minute walk to Bradford Interchange bus station for a bus onwards to the stadium.
Directions By Bus:
From Bradford Interchange bus station bus services 681 and 682 and Halifax Bus Station bus services 508, 681 and 682
These services stop at the Halifax Road Cemetery Road stop near to the stadium.
Turnstiles:
The turnstiles open around an hour and a half before kick off and are located at either end of the ground on Cemetery Road and Park Road. Matchday prices for league games are as follows:
- Adult – £14
- Concession – £10
- Student – £5
- Youth (12-17) – £3
- Junior (under 12, must be accompanied by an adult) – £1
MATCH POSTPONED – SCARBOROUGH ATHLETIC
We can confirm that, following a pitch inspection this afternoon, tomorrows game against Scarborough Athletic has been postponed. There are ongoing concerns regarding parts of the pitch and also the surrounding areas.
We will publish details of the re-arranged game as soon as we have them.
MATCH PREVIEW – Scarborough Athletic (H)
Bradford (Park Avenue) will have to stay switched on when they welcome promotion chasers Scarborough Athletic to the Horsfall Stadium this weekend.
Bradford will be wanting to continue their climb up the table but with Scarborough coming to town this will be no easy task for The Avenue.
Despite the Green Army’s recent upturn in form, Scarborough will offer a different challenge that the home side will have to over come to get anything from a highflyer in the league.
The players will surely remember the reverse fixture, where a worldie from Jamie Spencer (above) and a first goal for Sheffield United loanee Andre Brooks (below) almost stole all three points back to Bradford, however in the final few minutes it was reduced to just one, after Darren Dominic Tear fired 2 goals past the defence to make it a draw.
(Park Avenue) have only lost once in their last five league games, the most notable was coming from behind against Buxton, scoring twice in injury time to secure all three points and its this resilience and determination that (Park Avenue) boss, Mark Bower will be wanting from his players this Saturday afternoon.
Scarborough have the second-best scoring record in the league this season with 40 goals scored already, only three behind the league leaders Darington, Bradford’s defence will have to be switched on to avoid adding more goals to that statistic.
George William Sykes-Kenworthy the Bradford number one between the sticks will certainly have his work cut out for him, with five clean sheets to his name already this season he’ll be hoping to make it six when he comes up against Scarborough’s top goal scorer Michael Coulson who’s scored eight goals so far this season, but Sykes-Kenworthy is no stranger to the danger that Scarborough pose having already pulled off some vital and brilliant saves this season.
At the other end though Scarborough have not had the same luck and have had one of the leakiest defences of any team currently in the top ten, this will be music to Jacob Blyth’s ears being the clubs current top goal scorer with five goals and is a great opportunity to fill his boots, as well as Will Longbottom who is only one goals behind Blyth in the charts.
Scarborough will be heavy favourites going into this fixture only losing once out of their last five league games, (Park Avenue) will have to be at their best to take anything from Scarborough, and a win for the home side would see them claw even further away from the drop.
Match Preview by James Fletcher @illustrationsjf
Tickets for the game are purchased on the gate and priced at £14 Adults, £10 Concessions, £5 Students, £3 Youths and £1 Juniors (u12s accompanied by an Adult).
Premier League and Championship Season Ticket holders can gain half-price entry to this game, just display your physical or digital Season Ticket at the turnstiles.
Travelling to the Horsfall for the first time? Follow the directions and map below!
Address
Bradford (Park Avenue) AFC
Horsfall Community Stadium
Cemetery Road
Bradford
West Yorkshire
BD6 2NG
Directions By Car:
Leave the M62 at junction 26 and follow signs for the M606. Continue on the M606 to junction 3 and take the A6117 exit to Ring Road West. At the roundabout take the 2nd exit on to Rooley Lane / A6036 signposted Halifax. Pass the Odsal Stadium on the left hand side and at the next roundabout take the 3rd exit on to Halifax Road / A6036 signposted Halifax. After approximately one mile turn left down Cemetery Road immediately before the Kids Planet Children’s Nursery, and the ground is 150 yards on the left. We have a car park which will be signposted off Cemetery Road and parking charges may apply.
Directions By Train:
Bradford Interchange rail station is the nearest to the ground and trains operate on the Calder Valley Line timetable from Bradford, Halifax, Huddersfield, Manchester, Preston and York.
From there you can catch the bus directly to the ground (details below).
Bradford Forster Square rail station There are regular services from Leeds (Leeds-Bradford Line timetable), Skipton (Airedale Line timetable) and Ilkley (Wharfedale Line timetable).
From Forster Square it is a 10 minute walk to Bradford Interchange bus station for a bus onwards to the stadium.
Directions By Bus:
From Bradford Interchange bus station bus services 681 and 682 and Halifax Bus Station bus services 508, 681 and 682
These services stop at the Halifax Road Cemetery Road stop near to the stadium.
LOAN NEWS – Lloyd Smith
We can today confirm that Lloyd Smith has had his initial one month loan with Frickley Athletic extended to the 14th of February 2023.
We will continue to follow Lloyd’s loan on our Twitter @BPAFCOfficial – Stay tuned!
#UTA
MATCH REARRANGED – KINGS LYNN TOWN
MATCH REARRANGED – Last weeks postponed match vs @officialkltownfc has now been rearranged for Tuesday 31st January 2023 with a 7:45pm KO.
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MATCH POSTPONED – KINGS LYNN TOWN (A)
Unfortunately today’s game vs @officialKLtown has been postponed.
A rearranged fixture will be announced at a later date.
#UTA
Fixture Update: Kings Lynn
We can confirm, due to the recent weather and expected cold temperatures overnight, that there will be a pitch inspection tomorrow morning at 8:30
As soon as we have any news we will share across our social media and website
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THE VIEW FROM THE BOARDROOM – Paul Armitage’s Notes (05/12/22)
As we start the run-in to Christmas I’d like to praise the work of our volunteer ‘work force’. If I started with names I’d forget one and feel bad. On a matchday I see so many volunteers in all parts of the ground. They enjoy their role and put smiles on faces. They are friendly and helpful and they create a great impression on all those folk attending games, whatever small role they play. Every one of them is important and highly valued.
Of course you are all volunteer helpers if you rock up to support the team, pay for entry, buy some food and drink or kit from the shop. You have chosen to come and give your time and funds to support Avenue.
We have been rebuilding a club that was broken in the seventies and had some wilderness years before keen supporters resurrected us with most giving up time and money and starting fund-raising efforts to get us to our current level. We have travelled to several ‘homes’ before landing at Horsfall. All their past efforts are respected, fill us with pride and our newer supporters can now pick up the baton and press on, creating new friendships and loyalties.
Back in our league days crowds were fairly evenly spread across the two Bradford clubs but currently City can pull in large numbers of the city’s football fans, so we are working hard to create a new Bradford (Park Avenue) and hoping we can attract a thousand of those football fans for each home game as this number would help us grow and prosper.
That’s our first target, not our last, so please let’s create a City with two league clubs, like Liverpool, Manchester and Sheffield. We start with an improving stadium, friendly volunteers, very few paid employees and a love of football.
Bring a friend, tell your family, ask your business if they can help, sponsor players at every level and be a part of creating a friendly club atmosphere.
The club has helped to develop lots of young players recently from Romoney Critchlow at City, to Jake Beesley at Blackpool, Harry Boyes at Forest Green, Alex Hurst at York, Isaac Marriott at Altrincham, Olly Arblaster and Andre Brooks are now breaking into the first team at Sheffield Utd. We continue to help our players fulfill their ambitions and we enjoy their successes. Thomas Angell and Will Lancaster are our latest young stars stepping up with our help. It’s what makes us an attractive club for aspiring young players, playing with highly experienced players and working with Mark and Danny.
I’m proud to be a small part of a friendly club with good supporters, who are welcome at every away ground because we behave, have a drink or a brew, leave fireworks to experts, chant support rather than obscenities and collect programmes! We love our football and appreciate other non-league clubs, recognising our shared hopes and concerns.Come and join our supporters and volunteers.
We thank all our volunteer helpers and supporters and look forward to them getting some Christmas cheer over the next few games by winning more games, playing good football and having more success in 2023.
Thank you all for the very important part you play off the field.