16 Oct 2018

Jonathan Collura On His Involvement With Bradford (Park Avenue)

by BPAFC Officials | posted in: News | 0

Yesterday, the club announced that owner Gareth Roberts has nominated Jonathan Collura for the role of Director at Bradford (Park Avenue).

The nomination came as part of a recent restructuring, which has seen a community interest company owned by Gareth Roberts become the new ownership vehicle.

Jonathan introduced himself to supporters of the club on Saturday, featuring on the panel during the open forum at the Horsfall Stadium.

Before watching Bradford take on Kidderminster Harriers, the prospective director sat down with us to discuss everything from his background to his vision for the club:

Football is a sport that clearly runs through Jonathan’s veins and he discussed how his love for the game was ignited by Crystal Palace and the introduction of the internet:

“I’m a lifelong fan of the English game. When I went to college in 1994, I was an avid Crystal Palace fan. In that year, the internet came online and my love of the game grew because of all the information that was available. While in college, I founded one of the first Crystal Palace websites, which I ran from Lincoln, Nebraska. We had international supporters, we had match reports and video clips, but when the game expanded, we were wiped out quickly! It was fun though. I actually wrote for non-league programmes as well and was published by several clubs whilst writing about my experiences as a supporter in America.”

Jonathan brings a wealth of experience to the Horsfall Stadium, having already been involved with clubs in the United States and one of Bradford’s Vanarama National League North rivals:

“In 2015, I got the opportunity to be a partner in an English football club. That club was Alfreton Town. They have a phenomenal chairman in Wayne Bradley, I learned a lot from him in the time I spent there. I eventually left to focus on doing my own things back in the US. I was a partner in a club in Napa Valley, California and then in January 2018, I launched Bugeaters Football Club. Bugeaters are based in my home community of Nebraska. Bugeaters is a nickname for native Nebraskans, when people see the name they either get it or think we’re insane!

“The team began playing in the 2018 season and we’re currently examining leagues for 2019, but it’s been a phenomenal run. We had a massive launch and sold tens of thousands dollars worth of merchandise.”

He then discussed how he came to be involved with Bradford, before outlining his plans and ambitions:

“I’ve known Gareth Roberts for some time. I spoke to Gareth about his involvement with Bradford (Park Avenue) back in 2015, when I was at Alfreton. I kept in touch and we discussed ideas together, and I visited the Horsfall in 2016. Over the last twelve months, we’ve had deeper discussions about things that I can help him with. My interest stems from my background as an entrepreneur and my success with my own companies, as well as my passion for the game and thoughts on innovation and marketing.

“I’m a director elect, pending FA approval. This is to help Gareth focus on two things. One is sustainability, and the second is the community. The club, as it stands today, is fantastic on the pitch but needs some help off it. For the club to endure the next fifty years, we need to set the path for that today. A club like this has a decent fanbase but in today’s digital era, it’s not just about the fans at the match, it’s also about the outreach that you have. Bugeaters are an example of that as not only do the club have fans in Nebraska, it has fans internationally. We have fans here in England, who actually watch live streams of our matches. Boosting the social media and digital side of things is vital in establishing the brand. Bradford (Park Avenue) have an absolutely amazing history and now it’s time to lay the foundations for the next fifty years. We need to establish a brand and an identity.

“The Horsfall College of Sport is something that I’ve worked with Gareth on and the goal there is to get to 100 students. We currently have 26 but we think we can reach 60-90 in the next season and give opportunites to people in the community. At some point, we will have a player that comes through the Horsfall College of Sport and plays league football for the first-team side. That’s going to be something very special. The goal here is to make people say that there is something special going on at Bradford (Park Avenue).

“Regarding the Bradford Bulls involvement, we realised that there is a management team down the road that has been very successful both on and off the pitch and we need some infrastructure here. We have Damian Irvine, who has been a football executive in the EFL and has very innovative ideas. I’ve spent some time getting to know him and have really enjoyed speaking with him in discussions. First and foremost, we need to improve the image of Bradford (Park Avenue). We need to give it a brand and unique identity because it has one but people in the community don’t know it exists. The Bulls will be helping us with infrastructure and ways to increase attendances and awareness. They’ll be helping with the overall function of the club so that we have a sustainable model. Prior to Gareth’s involvement, the club had financial issues and Gareth has helped to fill that gap but in a situation like this, you need to build sustainability instead of continually funding a loss.

“Mark Bower is a tremendous manager who has done amazing things for the team on the pitch. Today, we have a game between 2nd and 3rd in the league at the Horsfall and that doesn’t happen by chance. Gareth has committed to funding his budget and has done a tremendous job.

“I want to tell the Bradford (Park Avenue) story. The club has history with every single one of its fans. Let’s sit them down, let’s interview them. Let’s have those stories told in a documentary so that you’re recording the club’s history. I see a lot of pictures that celebrate the history and the club’s icons but what about the recent history? What about the fans that are here today? Why are they here? They choose to be here. They choose to be here because they have a connection with the club so let’s tell their stories. If you read anything about Bugeaters, you’ll find that I built the club on a sustainability, community model. We’re going to see ties between Bradford (Park Avenue) and other clubs. With Bugeaters, and with teams around here. I see other teams signing development deals and wonder, why aren’t we doing that? We can benefit from one another.”

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15 Oct 2018

Bradford (Park Avenue) Announce Company & Director Changes

by BPAFC Officials | posted in: News | 0

Bradford Park Avenue have today announced that the previously approved transfer of the club has taken place, along with two important proposed additions to the board.

The Club is pleased to announce that the new ownership vehicle is Bradford ( Park Avenue ) AFC CIC, a Community Interest Company fully owned by Gareth Roberts, who has been the principal financial supporter of the club for the past few years.

Speaking today about the transfer Mr Roberts said “The change to a community interest company is a relatively minor technical one, but it does allow for more financial flexibility in particular additional investment, which is always needed for the club to progress. We are still a community club and our vision for the club has not changed

Along with the completion of the transfer, Mr Roberts also announced that he has nominated Dr John Dean for the role of Chairman of the board of Directors, and Mr Jonathan Collura for the role of Director. Both are nominated pending FA board approval.

Dr John Dean is well known to Bradford Park Avenue supporters and the local community having served the club as Chairman from 2005- 2017. A lifelong supporter and Pudsey local, Dr Dean will bring many years of experience and Bradford Park Avenue history to the board of directors.

Texas based American Jonathan Collura is Managing Partner of 1836 Capital and Chairman of the Nebraska Bugeaters FC in the US. Previously a partner in Alfreton Town FC, Mr Collura’s experience in finance and management consulting will provide expertise and direction for the club during this important period of growth towards a community based self- sustainable model.

On the new appointments Mr Roberts said “ This is an important step for the club and the first of a number of steps that we intend to make over the next few months. Dr. John Dean will continue to bring his experience to the club and the addition of Jonathan Collura, a colleague of mine in Dallas and a big football fan, will bring some fresh ideas to the club.

In association with these changes, the club is forming an Advisory Board consisting of long time members Neil Fawcett, Ben Harvey, Dave Stordy and club secretary Colin Barker. Honorary chairman of the Advisory Board will be David Bruce, an Avenue legend along with his dearly departed wife Maria ,both renowned at the club for their support and generosity.

Rob Stanley has moved into a consulting position at the club for the remainder of this year and will be moving on to pastures new in 2019 The club would like to thank him for contributions to the club and invite him to come up north and see some games in future.

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14 Oct 2018

Universities Back Bradford (Park Avenue) On Non-League Day

by BPAFC Officials | posted in: News | 0

Photo: John Rhodes

Bradford (Park Avenue) were supported by two of Yorkshire’s universities during yesterday’s defeat to Kidderminster Harriers.

Our friends at the University of Bradford visited the Horsfall Stadium, whilst students from the University of Huddersfield also travelled to support the club.

The University of Huddersfield are in the process of establishing a non-league society and its members supported Mark Bower’s side yesterday.

The University of Bradford are leading a campaign to provide Mark Bower’s side with more support and the university’s Director of Internal Affairs Mark Garratt told us why he is spearheading it:

“Back on the August bank holiday, myself and my son, Matt, came to watch as there were no league games on. When we visited, I was taken aback by the history of the club. Bradford City have a big fanbase of 20,000 supporters and when I spoke to a Bradford (Park Avenue) supporter, he said that the club only have 300 supporters. I couldn’t help but think that that was bonkers.

“I got in contact with the club and suggested that we should lead a campaign to get staff and students from the University of Bradford involved.

“It’s not just about getting students and staff involved, though. It’s about creating a connection on many levels. I’ve spoken to a director about getting our students involved in the community part of the club.”

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14 Oct 2018

Kevin Webber’s Story

by BPAFC Officials | posted in: News | 0

Photo: Sean Turpin

Inspirational charity fundraiser Kevin Webber visited the Horsfall Stadium yesterday prior to the match against Kidderminster Harriers.

Kevin, who was diagnosed with terminal prostate cancer four years ago, embarked on a quest to walk to several of the Vanarama National League grounds in order to raise money and awareness for Prostate Cancer UK.

The walk, which saw Kevin visit grounds all over the north of England, concluded when he arrived at The Shay for yesterday’s televised National League clash between F.C Halifax Town and Chesterfield.

However, before visiting Halifax, he was welcomed to the Horsfall Stadium for his penultimate ground visit.

After being presented with a Bradford (Park Avenue) replica home shirt and treatment from the club’s medical team, he prepared himself for the walk to Halifax with some food that had been donated by local businesses Regal Bakery and Tiffin Foods.

Kevin then sat down with us to tell his story and explain the reasoning behind the mammoth challenge:

“I was diagnosed with terminal prostate cancer four years ago and they said I might only live for two years. After spending a couple of months crying, I worked out that I could spend the rest of my life crying or I could try and do something with my life.

“I used to run a bit but I realised I could run a lot more so I started running. I ran across the Sahara three times, I’ve ran across the Arctic, and I’ve done loads of races in countries I never thought I’d go to. Inspired by Jeff Stelling, who does marathons for Prostate Cancer UK, I then ran from AFC Wimbledon to Wembley with him.

“I then realised that even as well as running, I can walk as well so in the following year I did fifteen with Jeff. That inspired me again so then I started getting from people from work to do marathon walks and we did seven in seven days this year.

“On one of those walks, I met Michael Tattersall (CEO of the National League) and he said that he knew more about prostate cancer than he did before. He told me that the National League should be supporting Prostate Cancer UK more and he suggested that the charity could become the league’s headline national charity. I asked him what I could do for him and we came up with the idea that I could walk round some of the league’s grounds.

“Vanarama then kindly started donating £50 to the charity every time a car or van is leased from them and that will have produced a big number that will be presented to the charity at the F.C Halifax Town match this afternoon. They asked me to receive the cheque at the game and it was then that I decided to walk to the game from the local club.

“I started at Blyth Spartans and I’ve been to Gateshead, Hartlepool United, Spennymoor Town, Harrogate Town, Darlington, York City, Guiseley and I’m now here at Bradford (Park Avenue).

“What’s been amazing is that without exception, there’s been someone at each club that I’ve touched in a way I didn’t even think was possible.

“My march was delayed for an hour as I was asked to speak to Harrogate Town’s first-team and I spoke to them all about prostate cancer. Luckily, they’re too young to get prostate cancer but they have dads, granddads and uncles. One in eight men get prostate cancer. If you’re black, it’s one in four men. If you have a relative with prostate cancer, it’s one in four. One man dies from the illness once every forty-five minutes. It’s a scary thing and it’s really important that we get the message out there.

“I’ve loved the walk. I’m a bit tired and my feet are sore but every bit of pain is worth it and I just hope that someone, somewhere, has realised that they’re maybe going to the toilet a lot and decide to go the doctors. Sadly, they might have prostate cancer but if they go early, they will live. Unfortunately, I will die but it’s a very curable illness if you go early enough and that’s why awareness is so important.”

Donate to Prostate Cancer UK

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13 Oct 2018

Williams Nets Winner As Bradford Are Beaten

by BPAFC Officials | posted in: First Team Match Reports, News | 0

Bradford (Park Avenue) were undone by two moments of solo brilliance from Kidderminster Harriers’ Ed Williams, condemning them to their second consecutive defeat.

Chances were few and far between in the first-half, with both sides cancelling each other out.

The best opportunity of the half was squandered by Jake Beesley, who lifted the ball over the head of Harriers stopper Brandon Hall but found the wrong side of the post.

Williams did manage to wriggle away from Nicky Wroe, but a deflection took the sting out of his shot and made the stop a straightforward one for Steven Drench.

James O’Connor then had to be alert to thwart Beesley, launching himself in front of a powerful drive before hacking clear.

Lewis Knight proved to be a thorn in Kidderminster’s side throughout and he was very unlucky not to register an assist in the 24th minute. He accelerated away from Sam Austin but could only watch as his dangerous delivery eluded the outstretched leg of a sliding Oli Johnson by mere inches.

The visitors struggled to carve Bradford open and frustration was etched upon the faces of Neil MacFarlane’s men. Billy Daniels and Fraser Horsfall both tried their luck from distance but failed to trouble Drench.

HALF-TIME: Bradford (Park Avenue) 0-0 Kidderminster Harriers

The second-half was a considerably more entertaining affair and Bradford nearly broke the deadlock just a minute after the restart. Conor Branson cut in from the right and weaved his way past two Harriers players but fired wide when space opened up for a shot.

Ashley Chambers then nearly scored in a similar scenario, cutting in from the flank but failing to find the target with his effort.

Luca Havern was then forced to hook the ball off the line after O’Connor directed a header towards goal in the midst of a scramble in the box.

Although Kidderminster enjoyed opportunites in the early stages of the second-half, it was the hosts that took the lead. Knight’s delivery was nodded into the path of Branson by Beesley, enabling the midfielder to rifle past a stationary Hall.

Oli Johnson nearly doubled Bradford’s lead on his return to the starting eleven, blasting over the crossbar after latching on to a superb delivery from Knight.

Johnson then rattled the post after Jamie Spencer had surged forward and pushed the ball into the forward’s path.

The Harriers equalised with nine minutes remaining on the clock through Williams, who cut in from the right, darted into the box and curled into the bottom corner.

The visitors then took the lead in the late stages as Williams glided past three players before finding the bottom corner, grabbing his second of the game and tenth of the season.

FULL-TIME: Bradford (Park Avenue) 1-2 Kidderminster Harriers

Bradford (Park Avenue): Drench, Ross, Lowe, Wroe (Boshell 58′), Killock (c), Havern, Spencer (Toulson 90+3′), Branson, Beesley (Nowakowski 88′), Johnson, Knight.

Unused substitutes: Atkinson

Kidderminster Harriers: Hall, Vaughan, Austin (Taylor 80′), O’Connor, Horsfall, Digie, Weeks, Daniels, Williams, Ironside (Richards 65′), Chambers (Baxendale 90+1′)

Unused substitutes: Higginson, Palmer.

Referee: Nathanael Cox

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13 Oct 2018

Match Preview: Bradford (Park Avenue) vs. Kidderminster Harriers

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

Over five months after they clashed in last season’s play-off elimination round, Bradford (Park Avenue) and Kidderminster Harriers meet again.

Today’s game also marks Non-League Day 2018, but in the midst of the celebrations there is a game between two of the National League North’s top three sides which looks set to be thoroughly entertaining.

Mark Bower’s side will be pleased to be back in league action after crashing out of the Emirates FA Cup last week and that will also be the case for the visitors, who were beaten by Stourbridge last week.

Gianluca Havern and Chris Dawson may not feature after picking up injuries during the defeat to Altrincham, but Bradford boss Bower has insisted that neither will be long-term absentees.

Speaking after last week’s cup defeat, Bower admitted that today’s test will be a stern one:

“Next week’s game is obviously going to be a really hard one against the team I expect to go on and win the league. But we’ll learn lessons from today’s defeat, we’re disappointed but we’ve got to keep things in perspective. Overall, this season, we’ve done okay. We’ve looked solid for most parts but we’ve got make sure we’re right back at it and putting in the kind of performances that we’ve put in over the last few weeks to give ourselves a chance of getting something out of the game against Kidderminster.”

Captain Shane Killock also discussed today’s challenge:

“We know Kidderminster are a good side. They’re full-time and they’re fit but we always raise our game against the better teams. There are no easy games in this league so we’ve got to keep going every Saturday and put the performances in.”

There’s never been a better time to come and support Bradford (Park Avenue). Season ticket holders from any cub can watch today’s game for just £5* and students can purchase a season ticket for just £10**.

*When season ticket is presented

**When valid student identification is presented

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12 Oct 2018

Bradford Bulls & Bradford Park Avenue Announce Strategic Partnership

by BPAFC Officials | posted in: News | 0

The owners of two of Bradford’s iconic professional sporting clubs have today announced an innovative strategic partnership. Gareth Roberts, owner of Vanarama National League North club Bradford Park Avenue, and Andrew Chalmers, owner of Betfred Championship Rugby League Club The Bradford Bulls were excited to announce the Partnership:

“We’ve been in positive dialogue for a number of months regarding our respective clubs and how best to serve our supporters and the community in future,” said Gareth Roberts who has provided substantial financial support to Bradford Park Avenue over the past few years.

He continued, “Our management team and players have done a tremendous job to reach deep into the playoffs last season and have begun the 2018/2019 season strongly again. Like many National League clubs, however, we have required constant underwriting financially to fund our endeavours and that is not a sustainable model in perpetuity. By utilising the expertise of the Bulls management we can get a best practice evaluation of our off-field and front office operations and access their wider resources and experience in raising our game commercially and operationally”

Andrew Chalmers added “There is a wonderful synergy in returning to a partnership which was in place from 1863 to 1907. Our two clubs are traditionally family, and with both on a strong growth and performance trajectory there is so much common sense in sharing our services and resources to reduce costs and improve performance”

In 1863 Bradford Football Club was formed and in 1907 the club split when the Bradford Northern was formed in order to continue playing Rugby League whilst the slight majority of members chose to pursue Association Football forming Bradford Park Avenue AFC.

Both Bradford Park Avenue and Bradford Bulls have enjoyed long and proud histories in their respective sports since taking separate paths 1907 and are proud and important pillars of the decorated Bradford sporting culture. The concept of multi-sport shared management and services models, and the associated cost and efficiency benefits it brings is something that both Club Chairmen are interested in exploring further.

The Partnership will see Damian Irvine from The Bulls take on the wider remit of overseeing the Day to Day operational and strategic management of Bradford Park Avenue. Irvine, who is a vastly experienced Football and Rugby Chief Executive, led the financial turnaround of top-tier Cronulla Sharks in his native Australia before delivering commercial success and award-winning engagement and marketing campaigns at EFL clubs Notts County and Wycombe Wanderers.

All Bradford Bulls season ticket holders are being offered entry to tomorrows Bradford Park Avenue Fixture against Kidderminster for just £5 as part of the Non-league football focus weekend as the international break sees an absence of Premier League and Championship Football nationwide.

For further information, comments or interviews please contact Damian Irvine on 07724 502702 or info@bpafc.com

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11 Oct 2018

Pre-Match Programme – Kidderminster

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

Kidderminster returns to the Horsfall seeking vengeance after Bradford thwarted their promotion chances in May’s spectacular playoff run.

With Avenue winning the last two times we met, could we make it a hat-trick and overtake them for second place in the league?

With Beesley on form at the front and our set pieces looking dangerous this is going to be a tight match and could go either way. So get behind the boys and sing with the Green Army.

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10 Oct 2018

Fans Forum With Owner Gareth Roberts

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

Bradford, who currently occupy thrid spot in the table, will take on fellow high flyers Kidderminster Harriers on Saturday at 15:00 KO, who are two points ahead in second place. The club are confident that with the game coinciding with Non-League Day, and with the absence of any Premier League or Championship fixtures, they will be able to double their average attendance on the day.

To encourage attendance on the day supporters who present a season ticket at the turnstile – regardless of club or sport – will get in for just £5.

Chief Executive, Rob Stanley, said: “Non-League day is a chance for people to come along and see what real football is like. Hopefully we will have around 800 people here cheering the team on, as Kidderminster look like one of the teams to beat this year.”

In a further boost, Bradfordian Gareth Roberts, the club’s owner who now lives in Texas, will be flying over for the game at Horsfall Stadium. The club would also like to announce that after the game in clubhouse there will be an open fans forum with club owner Gareth Roberts and Chief Executive Robert Stanley.

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10 Oct 2018

University Of Bradford Kick-Off Campaign To Support Bradford (Park Avenue)

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

University of Bradford staff and students are being encouraged to get behind local side, Bradford (Park Avenue), for this year’s Non-League Football Day on the13th October.

Bradford, who currently occupy fourth spot in the table, will take on fellow high flyers Kidderminster Harriers who are two points ahead in second place.

The club are confident that, with the absence of any Premier League or Championship fixtures, they will be able to double their average attendance on the day.

In a further boost, Bradfordian Gareth Roberts, the club’s owner who now lives in Texas, will be flying over for the game at Horsfall Stadium.

Mark Garratt, Director of External Affairs at the University of Bradford, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for everyone to experience the excitement of a live football match. We have thousands of new and returning students on campus and it would be amazing to see them all there embracing the Team Bradford ethos.”

There is also a serious side to Non-League Day, with clubs fundraising to support Prostate Cancer UK. The aim is to raise awareness of a disease which, on average, kills one man every 45 minutes. Last year £15,000 was raised for the charity.

Tickets for the game are £12 for adults and £7 for students, but to encourage attendance both on the day and across the season, there will be some special offers available. Supporters who present a season ticket at the turnstile – regardless of club or sport – will get in for just £5, plus any student who attends on the day can purchase a Bradford Park Avenue season ticket for the discounted price of £10.

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