AVEYFEST 2026 RETURNS TO HORSFALL THIS MAY

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Bradford (Park Avenue) AFC are delighted to invite teams to AveyFest 2026, our annual summer grassroots football festival at Horsfall Community Stadium.

Taking place across Saturday 23rd, Sunday 24th and Monday 25th May 2026, AveyFest brings together youth teams from across the region for three days of competitive, well-run football in a brilliant end-of-season atmosphere.

All events are first come, first served, with waiting lists in operation once categories are full.


TOURNAMENT FORMAT & AGE GROUPS

(Season 2025/26 Age Groups)

⏰ AM Sessions

Brief: 8.45am
Kick Off: 9.00am
Finish: 12.15pm

⏰ PM Sessions

Brief: 12.30pm
Kick Off: 12.45pm
Finish: 4.00pm


📅 SATURDAY 23RD MAY

AM

  • U13 Mixed 9v9 (6 teams)
  • U14 Mixed 9v9 (6 teams)

PM

  • U11 Mixed 9v9 (2 x 6 teams)

📅 SUNDAY 24TH MAY

AM – ACADEMY ONLY EVENT

  • U7 Mixed 5v5 (6 teams)
  • U8 Mixed 5v5 (6 teams)
  • U9 Mixed 5v5 (6 teams)
  • U10 Mixed 7v7 (6 teams)

PM

  • U12 Mixed 9v9 (6 teams)
  • U10/11 Girls 6v6 (6 teams)
  • U12/13 Girls 6v6 (6 teams)
  • Disability Team 5v5 (6 teams – speak to Lewis)

📅 MONDAY 25TH MAY

AM

  • U6 Mixed Friendlies 3v3 (6 teams – all players receive medals)
  • U7 Mixed 5v5 (2 x 6 teams)
  • U8 Mixed 5v5 (2 x 6 teams)

PM

  • U9 Mixed 7v7 (2 x 6 teams)
  • U10 Mixed 7v7 (2 x 6 teams)

GAME FORMAT

  • 3v3 – 3 subs, 6 minute games
  • 5v5 – 3 subs, 10 minute games
  • 6v6 – 4 subs, 10 minute games
  • 7v7 – 3 subs, 10 minute games
  • 9v9 – 5 subs, 10 minute games

ENTRY COST

  • £40 per team (3v3, 5v5, 6v6, 7v7)
  • £45 per team (9v9)

Spectators:
£2 Adults
£1 Under 18s

Winners and runners-up will receive medals, with trophies awarded to winners.


IMPORTANT INFORMATION

  • Grassroots teams only for the main event.
  • Strictly no signed academy players permitted in grassroots categories.
  • Sunday morning is Academy Only.
  • Team entries are only confirmed once full payment is received.

SIGN UP NOW

Register your team via:
https://tournifyapp.com/live/aveyfest2026

We expect categories to fill quickly — secure your place early and join us for one of the biggest youth football festivals in Bradford this summer.

To continue supporting the Foundation’s aims of bringing sport, opportunity and community to Bradford donate here https://localgiving.org/charity/bpasportsfoundation

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Match Preview: Bradford (Park Avenue) vs Silsden AFC

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Bradford (Park Avenue) return to Horsfall this Saturday afternoon as we host fellow Bradford side Silsden AFC in a local Northern Premier League East Division clash.

Last weekend’s scheduled trip to Heaton Stannington was postponed following an early pitch inspection, meaning Craig Elliott’s side have had an unexpected break after building strong momentum.

Avenue head into Saturday unbeaten in six league matches and have held their position firmly inside the play-off places. Victories over Matlock Town and Blyth Town, alongside a hard-earned point away at North Ferriby and a draw with Bridlington Town, have reinforced the consistency and resilience developing within the squad as the season enters a decisive period.

With 53 points from 30 matches, Avenue remain fifth in the table and know that maintaining form at Horsfall will be key in the race for a top-five finish.

Silsden currently sit 18th in the division on 29 points from 28 matches. The visitors have endured a heavily disrupted February schedule, with last weekend’s fixture against Grimsby Borough also postponed. In fact, Silsden have not played since 31st January following a number of weather-affected postponements.

Their most recent outing was a 0–0 draw with Bishop Auckland, while earlier in January they secured an eye-catching 4–1 home victory over Ashington. However, defeats away at Matlock Town and Redcar Athletic highlight the inconsistency they will be looking to address.

Saturday presents an interesting dynamic: Avenue arrive match-ready and in rhythm, while Silsden return after nearly three weeks without competitive action. That said, local fixtures often override league position and form. With both sides representing Bradford, there is added pride at stake alongside the three points.

As the play-off race tightens, every home fixture becomes increasingly significant — and Avenue will be aiming to extend their unbeaten run and continue strengthening their position in the top five.


Match Details

Saturday 21st February 2026
3:00pm kick-off
Horsfall Community Stadium, BD6 2NG

Tickets are available online now:
https://app.fanbaseclub.com/Fan/Tickets/SelectType?fixtureId=16283

Admission prices:
£10 Adults / Concessions
£5 Students / Blue Light / Forces (Must have valid ID)
£3 Youth (12–17)
£1 Juniors (Under 12s)

Hospitality is available at £15 per person.

Supporters can also pay on the gate.

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From Our Sporting & Executive Director – Thomas McStravick

As we continue to build momentum both on and off the pitch, I want to take a moment to reflect on the collective effort that drives this football club forward. Progress is never achieved by individuals alone — it is built through shared belief, strong partnerships and a unified ambition to move the club to the next level.

Our focus as a leadership team is clear: to create the strongest possible environment for our first team to succeed. That means investing energy not only in football operations, but also in building a matchday atmosphere that inspires performances and provides our players with a genuine home advantage. The role of our supporters in that journey cannot be overstated. Your passion and commitment are fundamental to what we are striving to achieve.

Looking ahead, we are placing significant emphasis on key upcoming fixtures and the opportunities they present to showcase the club. Our game against Redcar will see the launch of a major promotional campaign as we aim to attract an attendance of over 600 supporters. We want this to be more than just a game — we want it to be a statement of ambition and community connection. Thanks to the generosity of Paul Armitage, supporters will be able to enjoy pre-match pints at £2.50, with live music from 1:30pm helping to create a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere that welcomes new and returning fans alike.

Our fixture versus Hallam will further reinforce our long-term vision through a dedicated Junior Takeover Day, celebrating the importance of our junior section and the pathway we are building for young players and families. Strengthening those connections is essential to creating a sustainable and unified club culture.

Beyond matchdays, we are driving a major focus on partnership work across the city. Strengthening relationships with businesses, community organisations and supporters is central to our strategy to grow the club’s presence and reputation. At the same time, we remain committed to improving the fan experience at the ground, ensuring that every visit delivers value, enjoyment and a strong sense of belonging.

Everything we do is guided by one principle: when the club is stronger off the pitch, the team is stronger on it. Together, we can create an environment that gives our players the platform to compete, entertain and achieve.

Thank you for your continued commitment and belief in what we are building. Let’s continue to push forward together.

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Special Ticket Offers This Weekend – Bulls & Avenue Supporters

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There’s a big sporting weekend ahead in Bradford — and supporters of both clubs can take advantage of special ticket offers.

Friday Night – Bradford Bulls vs Catalans Dragons
Bradford Bulls return to Betfred Super League action at Bartercard Odsal on Friday 20th February (8:00pm KO) against Catalans Dragons.

Bradford (Park Avenue) season ticket holders can access an exclusive offer:

  • Adults – £10
  • Juniors – FREE

Supporters will also enjoy live performances from Bad Boy Chiller Crew, making it a landmark night both on and off the field.

How to purchase
This offer is available in person only from the Bradford Bulls Team Shop, from Wednesday 11th February until Thursday 19th February.


Saturday – Avenue vs Silsden

We’re delighted to return the favour at Horsfall this Saturday.

Bradford Bulls season ticket holders can attend our home fixture against Silsden for just £5.

  • Pay on the gate only
  • Proof of Bulls season ticket required at the turnstiles

Let’s show the strength of sport across the city and support one another across a huge weekend for Bradford.

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Back Where They Belong

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Bradford (Park Avenue) are pleased to support our neighbours, the Bradford Bulls, as they return to the Super League.

To mark the occasion, all Bradford (Park Avenue) season ticket holders can attend the Bulls’ first home fixture back in the Super League for a special discounted price of just £10.

It is a significant moment for sport in the city and a great opportunity for Bradford supporters to come together and celebrate a proud chapter for local rugby league.

Offer Details:

  • £10 admission for all Bradford (Park Avenue) season ticket holders
  • Venue: Odsal Stadium
  • Date: Friday 20th February

Simply bring your 2025/26 Bradford (Park Avenue) season ticket to access the discounted entry.

Let’s show our support and help create a memorable atmosphere for a big night in Bradford sport.

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Match Preview: Avenue vs Blyth Town

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Bradford (Park Avenue) return to Horsfall Community Stadium on Saturday afternoon aiming to extend their unbeaten run to six matches as they take on Blyth Town in the Northern Premier League East Division.

Avenue currently sit 5th in the table, having collected 50 points from 29 games, and come into the fixture in good form. Craig Elliott’s side made it five unbeaten in midweek with a confident 2–0 home victory over Matlock Town, adding to recent draws against North Ferriby and Bridlington as momentum continues to build at a key stage of the season.

Blyth Town arrive in 21st place, with 24 points from 26 matches. Their recent form has been strong, showing both resilience and attacking threat with a 4–2 win over Newton Aycliffe, along with a strong 4-0 win at North Ferriby.

Home form has been a real positive for Avenue in recent weeks, and Saturday presents another opportunity to capitalise on that momentum. With the play-off race intensifying, Avenue will be focused on delivering another composed performance and turning pressure into points.

Match details

Saturday 7 February 2026
Kick-off: 3:00pm
Horsfall Community Stadium, BD6 2NG

Tickets are available online:
https://app.fanbaseclub.com/Fan/Tickets/SelectType?fixtureId=16282

Hospitality is available at £15 per person.

A strong home backing could once again play a vital role as Avenue look to continue their positive run and secure another important result.

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Campbell Joins The Avenue on One-Month Loan

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Bradford (Park Avenue) can confirm the loan signing of goalkeeper Maison Campbell, who joins the club from Scunthorpe United on a one-month loan.

The 22-year-old arrives at Horsfall as he looks to build match sharpness and gain valuable minutes during the latter stages of the season.

Campbell joined Scunthorpe United ahead of the 2024/25 campaign following his departure from National League side York City. His time at York included a loan spell beginning in December 2023, which was later extended until the end of the season before being curtailed by a recall clause due to an injury within their goalkeeping department.

During the 2023/24 season, Campbell made two appearances for Scunthorpe, helping the Iron reach the final of the Lincolnshire Senior Cup with wins over Gainsborough Trinity and Cleethorpes Town.

After completing a permanent move to Scunthorpe, Campbell featured across several cup competitions during the 2024/25 campaign, continuing his development at senior level. Following the club’s promotion-winning National League North season and the departure of Ross Fitzsimons, Campbell was handed the number one shirt ahead of the current campaign.

Unfortunately, Campbell suffered an injury during a warm-up in September, disrupting the early part of his season. Having since returned to full fitness, the goalkeeper now heads out on loan to regain competitive match minutes.

The club would like to place on record its thanks to the Bradford (Park Avenue) Development Fund for their continued support in helping to strengthen the squad.

We look forward to welcoming Maison to the Horsfall Community Stadium, and send our thanks to Scunthorpe United for their help in getting the deal over the line.

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Avenue Archives – When football in Bradford filled the hillsides

This remarkable photograph captures a moment when football in Bradford truly brought the city to a standstill.

Taken ahead of a Bradford derby at Valley Parade, the image shows supporters packed tightly along the terraced hillsides, with stewards using a megaphone to manage the growing crowd. Around 35,000 people were in attendance – a figure that underlines just how central football was to life in the city at the time.

During this era, both Bradford (Park Avenue) and Bradford City were competing in the Football League, and derby days were major occasions. Supporters travelled from every corner of Bradford to watch the two clubs meet, turning fixtures like this into events that went far beyond the 90 minutes on the pitch.

For Park Avenue, this period saw the club regularly competing against some of the biggest and most established names in English football. Large crowds, high-profile opposition and a strong place within the national game were part of everyday life — a history that many younger supporters today may not fully realise.

Avenue Archives is a weekly series looking back at moments, memories and images from the club’s rich history — celebrating the stories that helped shape Bradford (Park Avenue).

Were you, or members of your family, at games like this? Do you have memories or stories passed down from these derby days? We’d love to hear them. B

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Yianni Abbas Signs First Team Contract

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Bradford (Park Avenue) are delighted to confirm that Yianni Abbas has signed a contract with the First Team, continuing another strong success story from the club’s Football Education pathway.

Yianni has spent the past three seasons within the Football Education Programme, progressing through the BTEC Level 3 course before stepping up to the HNC Level 4 programme this season while featuring regularly for the Reserves. Alongside his education, Yianni has continued to represent the U19s and gain valuable experience in senior football.

During the current campaign, Yianni has trained consistently with the First Team, where his performances, attitude and application have impressed the management staff enough to earn a permanent place within the senior squad. He now has the opportunity to feature across all levels, including continued involvement with the U19s and Reserves alongside First Team availability.

Earlier this season, Yianni also gained further men’s football experience with Thackley AFC after signing in August alongside Josh Owen, adding another important step in his development.

First Team Manager Craig Elliott said:
“Delighted to bring Yianni into the First Team squad. He has earned this through his impressive displays in the past few months training with the First Team.”

Lead Coach Owen Murphy added:
“First of all, I’d like to congratulate Yianni on signing with the First Team. I know how hard Yianni has had to work to get to this point, so fair play to him. He’s had to be patient and suffer different setbacks but he deserves it.

“Working with Yianni has been a pleasure as his attitude has always been spot on and his quality has got better each year he’s been at the club with us. He’s always been willing to learn and ask for advice when he’s needed it. Yianni has matured into an intelligent player and also as an adult.

“I’d also like to thank Craig and the First Team staff for taking Yianni in and giving him the opportunity to make his claim in our First Team.”

First Team striker Marcus Carver spoke highly of the young forward’s progress:
“Yianni has been brilliant in training and I am excited to see how far this lad can go. He is an intelligent young player with lots of ability, he’s sharp, tricky and has an eye for goal. He is also very down to earth and eager to learn off the senior players at the club, but all in all a great lad to have around the place.”

Vice Captain Jameel Ible added:
“Yianni has been training with us for a couple of months now and he’s been class in training. He’s impressed all the lads with his skill and confidence and fully deserves to be involved with us for the rest of the season. Hopefully he can get on the pitch and show everyone how good he can be.”

This season, Yianni has contributed 7 goals and 14 assists across appearances for the Group 1 Academy side and the Reserves, underlining his impact and progression at both development and senior levels.

Yianni now joins the First Team squad full-time as he looks to continue his development and make an impact during the club’s push for promotion.

For players interested in following a similar pathway, Football Education trials take place on Friday 6th February. Register here:
https://forms.gle/MdaG3HHYxvBgMzou8

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