We are delighted to announce that arguably the greatest player to ever don an Avenue kit has re-signed for another season. After the early end to last season there was some doubt that the exceptionally talented veteran would be interested in going through the pain of another pre-season and all the self discipline it takes to play the highest level of semi professional football in the UK. After gaining the permission of Mrs. Clee, Nicky himself agreed to join Club Captain Luca Havern as our second signing for next year

Nicky Clee –

‘I’m delighted to commit to Bradford and the management team for another season. We were starting to play some of our best stuff before the curtailment this year and hopefully we can keep the majority of that group together and kick on next year. There are some good young players at this club and I’m looking forward to passing on my experience to help make them better players. Hopefully the governments roadmap will go to plan and we’ll be able to welcome the fans back to the Horsfall when the season starts again in August. It just wasn’t the same without them last year.’

Mark Bower –

‘We’re really pleased that Nicky has decided to stay with us for another season. He is a great character to have in the dressing room and uses his experience to be a positive influence on our younger players. On the pitch he shows no sign of slowing down and we look forward to him ‘pulling the strings’ for us again next season and showing the qualities which make him so popular with our supporters’

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Bradford (Park Avenue) are delighted to announce that a brand new sponsor will feature on this season’s playing kit.

Green’s Roofing and Building have taken up the opportunity to sponsor the sleeves of on our brand new kit, in a deal that will see them have their logo on all our kits for the upcoming 2021/22 season.

Steven Green, Company Director of Green’s Roofing and Building had this to say regarding the deal;

The whole team here at Green’s Roofing and Building Limited are extremely proud to be in this position and we feel privileged to support our local club Bradford (Park Avenue)

As a family business we feel very strongly about supporting our local community and we look forward to the future, whilst we all get through this difficult and unprecedented time.

The future looks bright and we look forward to supporting the team in person.

Football Operations Manager Calum Cullen also commented;

I’m absolutely delighted to be bringing in another sponsor for this season. Green’s Roofing and Building are a Bradford based company, and as soon as I spoke to them, their desire to come on board for this season was evident. I look forward to being able to have Steve and the Green family down to the Horsfall as and when we are allowed to.’

You can find out more information about Green’s Roofing and Building here at http://www.greenroofingandbuilding.com/

For more Avenue content, follow this link: https://www.flowcode.com/page/bpafc

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The National League chairman Brian Barwick has notified the Board he will be stepping down from his position at the end of the 2020/21 season.

Barwick, 66, has enjoyed a long and distinguished career, spanning over 40 years, with senior roles in both major sports broadcasting organisations and high-profile sports governing bodies.

In December, the former Football Association chief executive was awarded an OBE in the New Year Honours List for services to sport and broadcasting.

The Chairman stated, “After careful consideration I formally told the National League Board in February that I intended to step down at the end of the 2020/21 season.

“I think it is the right time to relinquish the role – and give somebody else the great privilege of leading the organisation.

“Since 2015, I believe the competition has continued to grow in stature and profile, sent strong clubs up into the EFL and built up a formidable and loyal set of commercial and broadcast partnerships.

“Our 66 clubs remain the life-blood of our competition and a vital part of their local communities – and that’s what makes our League so special.

“I also acknowledge just how tough it has been for many of our clubs over the past twelve months facing the unprecedented challenges brought on by the Covid pandemic.

“In closing, I would like to thank my National League Board colleagues, the League’s executive, our commercial partners, the wider football family and, most importantly, our member clubs for their warm welcomes and support over the past six years.

“I will continue to commit myself to the well-being of the National League until the end of the season.

“And, of course, I wish my successor as Chair and everybody connected with the National League my very best wishes for a brilliant future.”

National League vice-chairman Jack Pearce said: “Brian’s appointment signified a change of direction by The National League in 2015 for the benefit of the competition.

“Whilst it would be easy to reflect on what has been a very challenging year for football, not only The National League, the progression of the competition over this six-year period has been greater than we could have expected.

“The Chairman has been influential in our long-term commercial partnerships with Vanarama and BT Sport, with the three-year extensions on enhanced terms this season providing security for member clubs. We have also seen an increased level of professionalism, both on and off the pitch at clubs, since Brian’s appointment.      

“Brian’s remarkable work ethic and trust in others have made him an invaluable colleague and a person I consider to be a wonderful friend.”

General Manager Mark Ives also added: “Brian has worked tirelessly for the benefit of the League and his vast experience across the game and the media has been a tremendous benefit to the League and its member clubs.

“I have had the privilege now of working with Brian on two separate occasions during my career, and his knowledge and determination has been exceptional.  We are all grateful for his support over the years.”

We are delighted to announce that the James Mae Group will once again be featured on our playing kit for this upcoming 2021/22 Season.

The company have agreed to sponsor the front of the shirts again, and will have their logo front and centre of our new kit. This will be James Mae’s second year with us here at Bradford (Park Avenue) and everyone at the club are delighted to welcome them back.

Edward Caffrey, MD of James Mae had this to say regarding the deal;

The James Mae Group is pleased to announce its continued support and sponsorship for the upcoming 21-22 season of Bradford (Park Avenue) Football Club. 

Long may this partnership continue between our Bradford based business and Bradford community football at its very best.

We wish all the teams every success and I look forward to meeting all the staff and players very soon.

Football Operations Manager Calum Cullen also commented;

Having James Mae come back for another season is brilliant news for the club. When I spoke with Ed, he was enthusiastic about coming back and sponsoring us again. I would like to thank him and everyone at James Mae for their continued support and look forward to them coming down to watch the Avenue play when restrictions allow.’

You can find out more information about the James Mae Group here: https://www. http://www.jamesmaegroup.co.uk/

For more Avenue content, follow this link: https://www.flowcode.com/page/bpafc

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Today our captain Luca Havern has put pen to paper on a new one year contract at the Horsfall. After re-joining Mark’s squad for the unusual 20/21 season, Luca was named as club captain to help lead our exciting squad of youth and experience. This experience and know how is vital part of the clubs strategy of remaining competitive and allowing young players to develop, improve and get into full time football. The evidence of this being seen this year as Lewis Knight secured a permanent move to Notts County.

Luca Havern –

‘I’m really happy to commit to BPA for another season. Before this season was null and voided we were improving each week and our young players were growing in confidence so I hope we can build on that momentum come August. On a personal note I’d like to thank the management team and the club for their continued support and I am looking forward to hopefully welcoming some fans back to the Horsfall this summer.’

Mark Bower –

‘We are really pleased that Luca has committed himself to us for another season. He forms part of our core of experienced players who play a vital role in strong performances on the pitch whilst helping our younger players with their progression. Luca will continue to captain the team and we look forward to welcoming him back for pre-season in a few months time.’

With pre-season scheduled to start on the 26^th of June keep your eyes peeled for more green and white army signings.

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In what can only be described as an incredulous and insensitive decision, the National League today have given the club notice that it has been found guilty of not playing three games and that a fine for each breach is to be applied of £2000.
The club had offered a clear written explanation on each occasion and submitted a defence based on the financial circumstances surrounding the matches for the disciplinary hearing.
We will be appealing this travesty of a decision with the FA and are taking legal advice from our lawyers about further action relating to the lies told to the club by the National League at the start of the season relating to grant funding. 

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Bradford (Park Avenue) are delighted to announce that Highbury Homes will be continuing their fantastic support of our club by again sponsoring the back of our shorts for the 2021/22 Season. This will be Highbury’s second year with us here at Bradford (Park Avenue) and everyone at the club are delighted to welcome them back.

Highbury Homes’ Managing Director Gareth Jones had this to say on the agreement;

‘We are delighted to confirm that Highbury Homes will continue to sponsor Bradford (Park Avenue) AFC for the 2nd year running.

As a local employer we recognise the value in supporting our small communities by providing much needed funding and support and would like to wish Bradford (Park Avenue) a very successful season!’

Football Operations Manager Calum Cullen said;

‘This is fantastic news for the football club, and having spoken with Gareth, it was clear that he has a real passion for Bradford (Park Avenue) and was keen to keep supporting us. Getting this deal over the line is another piece in the jigsaw ready for what will hopefully be a very good season. I look forward to being able to have Highbury down at the ground as and when we are allowed to.’

You can find out more information about Highbury Homes here: https://www.highburyhomes.co.uk

For more Avenue content, follow this link: https://www.flowcode.com/page/bpafc

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Great news for all of us missing our football, the National League have confirmed that the new season 21/22 will commence on August the 14^th for the National League North and South and one week later for the National League.

Mark and Danny are now busy planning an extended pre-season so we get a chance to blow of the cobwebs after not playing or training since January. The management team are working on the shape and make up of next years squad and we look forward to be able to make some announcements around this very soon.

Hard work is already going on at the ground by our fantastic supporters, ably aided by West Bowling and generously funded by the BPAFC Development Fund, many thanks. The Stadium is looking great and the new memorial garden will be a big draw come the summer when we hope we will be able to safely welcome supporters back into the ground.

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The National League is delighted to confirm Vanarama will continue as title sponsors through to the 2024/25 season.

The three-year extension outlines the long-term commitment of Vanarama to The National League, Member Clubs and supporters with the new deal taking the working relationship to eleven years.

Since taking over title sponsorship of The National League in 2014, Vanarama has actively raised the profile of the League through innovative campaigns such as MANarama which helped raise over £200k for Prostate Cancer UK.

During the Covid pandemic Vanarama set up a COVID support helpline for National League clubs and local businesses applying for any of the Government financial schemes.

BT Sport will continue to provide excellent exposure for the Vanarama National League over the next three seasons.

Chairman of The National League, Brian Barwick OBE, said: “We are delighted to continue our title sponsorship with Vanarama and thank them for their steadfast support during the past twelve months.  

“This enhanced arrangement will take our partnership up to eleven years. That speaks volumes about the confidence we both have in each other.  

“The National League has found a great organisation to work with and we are pleased Vanarama find the relationship to be equally rewarding.   

“We all look forward to four more years growing our unique partnership”.

The deal coincides with the recent launch of Vanarama’s new brand campaign which encourages its customers to find their new lease life.

“We’re delighted to continue our relationship with The National League,” said Andy Alderson- CEO of Vanarama.

“We have a great affinity for this level of football as it really helped us accelerate the growth of our commercial van leasing business back in 2014. Now in 2021 having just launched our new brand campaign we’re breathing a new lease of life into our sector.

“As we undergo huge growth across our personal car leasing business, we wanted to show our commitment to do the same for grassroots football.

“The clubs and communities at this level have gone through very hard times, we hope that our investment will offer some stability and hope as we all work through the covid pandemic together.”

We can confirm that today Lewis Knight has completed his transfer from Bradford to Notts County football club in the national league. Knight becomes the latest young player to move up the leagues after developing and learning their trade at The Horsfall. He follows Alex Hurst (Port Vale) and Jake Beasley (Rochdale) who came down to the National League North and played along side experienced players such as Nicky Clee, Luca Havern and Mark Ross under the nurturing eyes of Mark and Danny.

Lewis completed his medical last Friday and he and the clubs agreed terms over the weekend, joining on an initial 2 and half year deal.

Lewis Knight –

‘I am absolutely made up to have got back into full time football, huge thank you to Mark, Danny and Ryan for believing in me and giving the opportunity 3 years ago when I came back from the States. I’ve really enjoyed my time at the club, the lads have been amazing such a great dressing room, and finally a big thank you to the incredible fans. I am only sad that I didn’t get to play in front of them live this year and to say good bye in person’

Mark Bower –

‘I am really pleased that Lewis will be able to progress his career as a professional footballer at a club as large as Notts County. Along with all the staff, we are immensely proud of the role Bradford (Park Avenue)has played in helping Lewis achieve this.

Having worked with him for the majority of the last three years, it has been great to see his improvement and how hard he has worked to compliment his natural abilities.

Whilst we are disappointed that we are losing Lewis, we are already working on bringing in more young players of Lewis’ type, with quality and hunger to be a success in the game.

Lewis leaves with our best wishes and I’m sure all Avenue fans will be keeping an eye on his progress.’

Martin Knight –

‘with Lewis’s incredible season and his  contract running down in the summer, we are pleased to have realised some nominal value in the transfer fee and good future considerations. Lewis has shown the benefit of playing men’s football over the last three years and has after much effort from himself and guidance from Mark and Danny got himself a move back into full time football. We wish him well and will monitor his progress with interest 😊’