15 May 2026

Promotion-winner Duxbury signs

by | posted in: First Team Interviews, First Team News, News | 0

The Club is delighted to announce the signing of defender Scott Duxbury, subject to league and FA approval.

Duxbury, who has been part of promotion-winning teams such as Stockport County, Radcliffe FC and Bury FC, makes the move across the Pennines to link up with former manager Craig Elliott at the Horsfall Community Stadium.

The 31 year old joins the Avenue after his release from Bury FC at the end of last season. Duxbury spent the second half of the 2025-26 campaign at local neighbours Hyde FC, helping them avoid relegation from the Pitching In Northern Premier League – Premier Division.

The experienced defender will be a familiar face to Bradford supporters, having played for several clubs such as Spennymoor Town, AFC Fylde, Chorley FC, Warrington Rylands and Northwich Victoria.

Duxbury brings vital experience, leadership and physicality across the Avenue defence, and admits the interest shown from him by Craig Elliott was a deciding factor in his move:

“I’ve played for Craig before and as soon as I knew of his interest, I wanted to make this move. I played for him at Boston United and I really enjoyed my time there.

Craig wants winners. He wants people who share the same ambition as him. He builds a team that shows plenty of desire and I’m in a position to bring experience to help us achieve our goal of getting promoted.

I’ve always been in good teams and I’m looking forward to this next challenge. I have good memories here having played for Stockport County during their promotion season and I actually scored for Radcliffe the last time I played at the Horsfall Community Stadium. Hopefully I can score a few here for BPA!”

Speaking on his first signing ahead of the new campaign, Craig Elliott is pleased to be reunited with Duxbury:

“Scott has consistently played for big clubs chasing promotion all his career so he understands what success looks like. He’s a powerful, energetic player that can play a few positions, giving us good flexibility. Having played for me before at Boston United, he knows exactly how I work and I’m delighted to be working with him again.”

The final words from Duxbury for the Green Army are: “Back the lads, let’s have a good season and let’s get promoted!”

Everyone at Bradford (Park Avenue) welcomes Scott to the Club and wishes him all the best of luck in the green and white.

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14 May 2026

Goal machine Carver commits!

by | posted in: First Team News, Uncategorized | 0

We’re delighted to announce Marcus Carver has extended his stay at Bradford (Park Avenue).

Carver, 32, was the leading goalscorer for the Avenue during the 2025-26 season, scoring an impressive 24 goals in all competitions.

The experienced forward showed his qualities in the green and white jersey and quickly became a fans favourite with his physicality and power in front of goal.

Speaking on his decision to remain at the Horsfall, Carver said:

“I’m delighted to extend my stay at Bradford (Park Avenue).

We’ve started a journey that isn’t finished yet. We know where we want to go as a Club and I’m still as excited and motivated as ever to help see that through.

I’ve loved my time at Bradford (Park Avenue) and I’ll continue to work hard for the team, the staff and the fans.

I can’t wait to get back out there and do everything I can to help us achieve our goals.”

A long admirer of Carver, Bradford (Park Avenue) manager Craig Elliott was quick to snap up the talented striker as one of his first signings of the 2025-26 season. The boss is delighted to have him as part of his plans for the next campaign:

“Marcus had a great season and showed that he’s not only our leading goalscorer but a leader on the pitch. I’m delighted we have him for another season and he’ll be a big player for us, as well as having our young strikers learn from him.”

We’d like to wish Marcus the very best of luck for next season.

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14 May 2026

League allocation for 2026-27

by | posted in: First Team News | 0

The Football Association (FA) has announced the National League club allocations for 2026-27.

Subject to ratification and the appeal process, the NPL East Division will include 22 teams:

Ashington AFC

Beverley Town

Blyth Spartans

Bradford (Park Avenue)

Bridlington Town

Consett

Dunston

Garforth Town

Grimsby Borough

Guisborough Town

Hallam

Heaton Stannington

Lincoln United

Liversedge

Matlock Town

Morpeth Town

North Ferriby

Ossett United

Pontefract Collieries

Silsden

Stocksbridge Park Steels

West Auckland Town.

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13 May 2026

Jameel Ible Remains at Horsfall for 2026/27 Season

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Bradford (Park Avenue) are pleased to announce that Jameel Ible’s has signed a new deal, securing the defender’s services until the end of the 2026/27 season.

The Leeds-born centre-back has been a cornerstone of the Avenue backline throughout a resurgent 2025/26 campaign. His consistency and durability were on full display as he racked up 37 league appearances, playing over 3,300 minutes of football.

In addition to his league duties, Ible featured in 9 cup fixtures and played every minute of the club’s two playoff semi-final matches. A constant threat in the air, he also chipped in with 3 vital goals during the league campaign.

Manager Craig Elliott was determined to ensure the experienced defender remained a part of his plans moving forward:

“Jameel had a simply outstanding season. His performances speak for themselves on the pitch and he was such a positive influence in the dressing room. He was without doubt my number one priority and I am delighted to have him with us for another season.”

Ible’s commanding presence and leadership will be vital as the club looks to build on last year’s progress. Following the Chairman’s recent message regarding the club’s high ambitions for the 2026/27 season, securing a player of Ible’s caliber represents a significant statement of intent.

The club looks forward to seeing Jameel back in a green and white shirt as we push for promotion next season.

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13 May 2026

A message from the Chairman

by | posted in: News | 0

Dear BPA supporters,

This past season has seen a big turnaround for the club, just missing out on promotion. The first team has been competitive all season and this is a massive improvement from recent years. Also, the support for the club is growing and the last few home games have shown our potential to attract bigger crowds. This is a key factor as we will not be able to move up the leagues without increasing the attendance in lockstep with our promotion ambitions. These ambitions are as follows,

  1. Average attendance in 26/27 of 800 per game and win promotion. Anything else will not suffice.
  2. Win another promotion in two years, increasing attendance each year to match clubs in those higher divisions

There are a host of challenges to achieve these ambitions, and to help tackle these challenges we have added two new directors to the board. The first is Matt Rogers, a successful local businessman who is going to spend a significant amount of time at the club to help with day-to-day management. The second is Rob Hicks who many of you might know from his role at the RFL. He will be able to bring his considerable knowledge of professional sport to help us grow the club and meet the goals we have set.

These two gentlemen will help me to reduce my commitments to the club which are limited due to my age and being 5,000 miles away. Being on the ground is absolutely essential to good decision making especially in the current uncertain economic environment.

There are many people responsible for this excellent season starting with our manager, Craig and his squad of coaches and players. The club has shown its confidence in our manager by extending his contract for the next season and you will see many of our favourite players come back next season to finish the job of promotion. Thank you all for your efforts.

Behind the scenes, Thomas McStravick  has done a magnificent job despite being shorthanded and having to perform multiple roles. All the staff and volunteers deserve a big thank you working sometimes in difficult circumstances as our stadium facilities are not yet where we want them to be.

The improved attendances are mostly down to the community engagement by our Foundation, led by Mat Everett. The BPA Foundation is growing and will be a very significant part of our club strategy to serve the local area. 

To everyone at the club, thank you for all you do.

Gareth

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4 May 2026

THANK YOU, GREEN ARMY 🟢⚪️

by | posted in: First Team News, News | 0

Following the conclusion of our 2025/26 campaign, everyone at Bradford (Park Avenue) would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our incredible supporters.

While it wasn’t the result we all hoped for at the final hurdle, the journey this season has shown the true spirit of this club. From the rainy Tuesday nights to the atmosphere at the Welfare Ground yesterday, your backing has been our driving force.

Manager Craig Elliott expressed his immense pride in the squad and emphasized that this experience will only make us stronger as we prepare to go again next season.

To the players, staff, volunteers, and most importantly, the fans, thank you for everything.

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2 May 2026

FORMER PLAYERS & MANAGEMENT BACK THE AVENUE AHEAD OF THE FINAL

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As the countdown to Saturday’s Play-Off Final against Emley AFC begins, the current squad has received a massive boost from some familiar faces.

Several former Bradford (Park Avenue) players have reached out to share their support for Craig Elliott, the staff, and the lads as they prepare for the biggest game of the season. Their messages highlight the lasting impact this club has on those who wear the shirt.

Chib Chilaka “Wishing the lads all the best in the final. I hope each of them steps onto the pitch excited and proud to represent BPA, a club that I will always hold dearly in my heart. Do it for yourselves and for all the supporters. Best wishes to everyone at the club on this huge weekend.”

James Riley “Good luck to all the BPA lads. Congratulations on a brilliant season. Well done to Craig and staff bringing some much needed stability. All the best in the final and get this club climbing the leagues!”

Will Longbottom “Wishing everyone at BPA the very best of luck in the Playoff Final against Emley AFC. Hope the lads go out there, give it everything, and get the result they deserve. Come on BPA!”

Ben McKenna “All the best to everyone connected with BPA for the final. One more game to go in what has been a positive season for the club. Go and finish the job, come on lads you can do it!”

John Deacey “My message for the players is to relax, play the way you have been playing to put you in this position. Enjoy the game, you will not play many games like this in your career. Play your game not the occasion and don’t have any regrets. But, play with a smile on your face. You’re in the final for a reason and that’s to win. The backroom staff of Craig, Danny and Tully have been there and will prepare you correctly. All the very best and I hope you will be playing at the next level.”

Paddy Kenny “A big well done to the team where it all started for me! I’ll be rooting for you Saturday lads”

Gordon Rayner “I would like to wish Craig and the players all the very best for Saturday and get Bradford (Park Avenue) back where they belong. You can do this… up the Avenue!”

Mark Ross “To all of the BPA boys. I had a very good time at this crazy and incredible club and getting to these kind of games is what it’s all about. Me and most of the guys are five years older and would do anything to play in a final again. You’ve been smashing it so far, so don’t change it, in fact, keep doing it! Get over the line on Saturday, have an incredible day, go and get on that night out and smash the next league! Up the BPA, let’s go!”

Tom Corner “I want to say a massive good luck to everyone at BPA. I’ve seen first hand this season, the huge effort put in to get to this point, from all the staff, players and fans. It was a pleasure to be a small part of that effort and I hope the lads can get over the line on Saturday and keep the club moving back up to where it belongs. All the best lads! Up the Avenue!”

James Knowles “I want to wish the players, coaches and supporters all the best for the play off final on Saturday. The last time BPA won a play off final was an unbelievable day for all involved.
Having captained both teams I’m on the fence for Saturday but let the best team win and show everyone the standard of football at this level.”

Joe Ackroyd “The togetherness was clear to see on Tuesday night in the play off semi-final. Having spent the first half of the season at BPA, I know how good the dressing room is and how much work has been put in behind the scenes. Wishing everyone involved with the club the best of luck in the final!”

Danny Frost “Congratulations to everyone at the Avenue! Good luck in the final, wish you all the best.
Frosty”

TOM GREAVES “I want to wish all the players, staff and supporters of Bradford (Park Avenue) the very best of luck in the Playoff Final. It brings back the best of memories for me as a player scoring ‘that goal’ in the 2012 Playoff Final against FC United of Manchester. A season and a game I will never forget and something hopefully the current BPA players and staff can experience too and give their amazing fans the perfect end to a great season. Good luck everyone 💚🤍”

LUCA HAVERN “To everyone at BPA, good luck in the playoff final. I’ve followed your success from afar this season and it’s great to see the feel-good factor back at the club. From my playoff experience with BPA just go out and enjoy it, give everything and the fans will be right behind you. Hopefully I’ll be back next season, watching you in the league above. Up the Avey! Luca 💚”

LUCAS ODUNSTON “Good luck Saturday, are some ridiculous players in the team, more than enough to get you over the line! Great club and great fans, everyone involved deserves this promotion. Looking forward to a good showing at the game! UTA!”

CHRIS HOWARTH “Wishing everyone at BPA all the best for Saturday. Go out and enjoy the occasion because they don’t come around often. A club like Bradford (Park Avenue) deserve to be back in the higher, the time is yours”

Jamie Walker “Good luck lads. It means more to people than you probably think, and you never know when you might get this opportunity again. Wishing you all the best — it’ll be the first result I look for after my game.”

More messages to follow…

We will be adding more messages to this article as they come through, so keep checking back to see the latest well-wishes from across the Avenue family.

A huge thank you to all our former players who continue to show their support for the club. It means a lot to the players, the staff, and the fans.

Let’s take this energy into Saturday and bring that promotion home!

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29 Apr 2026

PLAY-OFF FINAL: Matchday & Ticket Information

by | posted in: First Team News, News | 0

We can now confirm that Saturday’s Northern Premier League East Play-Off Final against Emley AFC will be an all pay on the gate fixture.

Following our dramatic semi-final victory at Matlock, the stage is set for an all-West Yorkshire clash this Saturday afternoon. There will be no advanced ticket sales for this match; supporters of both clubs will gain entry by paying at the turnstiles upon arrival.

Match Details

  • Date: Saturday 2 May, 2026
  • Kick-off: 3:00 PM
  • Gates Open: 1:00 PM
  • Location: Welfare Ground, Emley, HD8 9RE

Admission Prices

The turnstiles at Emley accept both cash and card payments:

  • Adults: £10
  • Concessions: £8
  • Under 11s: £1
  • Under 5s: FREE

Facilities

Emley have confirmed that the Dugout Diner, Sports Bar, and Pewit Bar will all be open for supporters. Both cash and card are accepted across the ground’s food and drink outlets.

Travel with the Green Army

Don’t forget, we are running a supporters’ coach from Horsfall!

  • Departure: 1:30 PM sharp.
  • Pre-match: Bar open at Horsfall with pizzas and burgers.
  • Return: 7:00 PM back to Horsfall for live music with the players and staff.

Book your coach seat here: Fanbase Tickets

We want to see as many of you as possible making the short trip to Emley. You were our 12th man on Tuesday night—let’s do it one more time and bring the noise!

#BPAFC #GreenArmy #PlayOffFinal #Bradford #NonLeague

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29 Apr 2026

A message from our Sporting Director ahead of our Play-Off final vs Emley

by | posted in: Uncategorized | 0

Hi everyone,

Hasn’t the last few weeks been exciting? Full credit goes to Craig, backroom staff and the team. For the first time in my six years at the club there is a real buzz around the place and demand for tickets! I have had messages from all over the world and from the very top people within the professional game. Just shows you how much potential this club has.

An absolutely phenomenal performance last night against a side who have a vast array of talent in their squad, including former Northern Ireland International Conor Washington. Big shout out to the supporters for making the journey to support the team. Full credit to you all for the time and expense to support our club.

Looking ahead to this Saturday I hope as many of you as possible can make the journey. Let’s get together and make as much noise as possible to help our boys against a top side in Emley. Like I said in my communications a few weeks back that every single effort has gone into supporting the players and staff in our push towards promotion. We are continuing those efforts with an exciting pre and post match offer at the Horsfall. Quality pre match food and affordable drinks followed by live
music post match makes it an enjoyable day of Avenue activity. You have all played your part thus far so let’s make sure we do everything we can to make it a special occasion.

Thank you all and let’s get together for one last push.

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29 Apr 2026

PLAY-OFF FINAL: Supporters’ Coach & Matchday Details

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The Green Army is heading to Emley this Saturday for the Play-Off Final! After an incredible night at Matlock, we want to make sure as many of you as possible are there to back the lads in the biggest game of the season.

We have organized a supporters’ coach and a full matchday itinerary to get everyone in the spirit before we travel.

Before the coach departs, the bar will be open for fans to gather. We will have fresh pizzas and burgers available to make sure everyone is fueled up for the trip.

We’d also like to say a huge thank you to the Development Fund for subsidising the cost of u16 tickets.

Coach Travel Information

  • Departure: The coach will leave Horsfall at 1:30 PM.
  • Pricing: Adults £15 | Under 16s £10.
  • Booking: You can secure your seat online via Fanbase here: Book Coach Travel

We are currently awaiting final confirmation from Emley AFC regarding ticket prices and allocation. As soon as we have this information, we will announce it across our website and social media channels.

Regardless of the result, we are returning to Horsfall together. The coach will arrive back at approximately 7:00 PM, where we will be hosting live music in the hospitality suite. This is a great opportunity for fans, players, and staff to come together after a long and exciting season.

Let’s pack the coach and make some noise for the lads on Saturday!

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