Hassan-Smith returns

We’re pleased to announce the return of Kareem Hassan-Smith to the Club for the 2026-27 season.

One of Bradford’s best signings in recent years, the 23 year old has extended his stay at the Horsfall Community Stadium for a third season.

The young wing-back joined the Avenue from Albion Sports in 2024 after impressing in the NCEL Premier Division. Hassan-Smith started his career with Huddersfield Town before joining Barnsley’s academy setup in 2017 and signing a professional contract in 2021. The powerful right-sided footballer also had a short loan spell at local neighbours; Guiseley AFC.

Since joining Bradford, Hassan-Smith has been a key figure over the past few years with his driving runs down the right wing and his defensive awareness to cover opposition attacks.

A well-liked player in the dressing room and on the Horsfall terraces, Hassan-Smith is excited to get the boots back on for pre-season:

“I’m very happy to be at BPA again for the upcoming season. It will be my third season at the Club and I believe there’s a lot more to come both individually and collectively. I’m already looking forward to next season and seeing the Avenue fans come back in big numbers.”

His manager, Craig Elliott, is delighted to retain the services of the dynamic wing-back:

“Unfortunately, Kareem picked up an injury for the Playoffs and we definitely missed his explosive running. I think this is a big season for Kareem, he needs to stay injury free and if he can add more assists and goals to his game, I think he can a long way in the game.”

Everyone at the Club can’t wait to see a fully-fit Kareem Hassan-Smith running down the wing again in an Avenue jersey and wish him the best of luck for next season.

You can watch Kareem next season at BPA with your 2026-27 season ticket – BUY NOW!

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Goal machine Carver commits!

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:

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:

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

You can watch ‘Carvs’ next season at BPA with your 2026-27 season ticket – BUY NOW!

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

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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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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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Final Away Trip: Join the Green Army at Ossett United

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Bradford (Park Avenue) is preparing for the final game of the regular season as we travel to face Ossett United, and the club is calling on the Green Army to turn out in full force to support the squad.

To ensure as many supporters as possible can make the trip to Ingfield, the club directors have stepped in to provide subsidized travel. This has allowed us to offer a comprehensive away day package for a significantly reduced price.

The Away Day Package

For just £20 per adult, or £10 for u16s, supporters will receive:

  • A match ticket for entry to Ingfield.
  • Return coach travel from the Horsfall.
  • A serving of pie and peas at the Horsfall prior to departure.

Matchday Schedule

Supporters are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy the pre-match atmosphere at the stadium.

  • 11:30 AM: Meet at the Horsfall.
  • Pre-Match: The clubhouse bar will be open for drinks, and the Club Shop will be available for supporters to pick up official merchandise and matchday deals.
  • 1:45 PM: The coach departs for Ossett.

How to Secure Your Place

Tickets are expected to sell quickly, and supporters are encouraged to book early to avoid disappointment.

Online Bookings You can book your package immediately via our official ticketing partner, Fanbase, at the following link: Book via Fanbase.

In-Person Bookings The club will be open for in-person bookings at the Horsfall throughout the week during the following hours:

  • Monday: 1:30 PM – 7:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 2:00 PM – 9:30 PM
  • Wednesday: 2:00 PM – 9:30 PM
  • Thursday: 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Phone Bookings If you would like to book over the phone during the office hours listed above, please email Thomas.Ogden@bpafc.com to coordinate.

Join us for the final push of the regular season and get behind the lads for this important fixture!

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Match Preview: Bradford (Park Avenue) vs Redcar Athletic

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Bradford (Park Avenue) return to Horsfall this Saturday for a big test against league leaders Redcar Athletic in the Northern Premier League East Division (3:00pm kick-off).

Avenue head into the game 6th in the table on 59 points from 35 matches, still firmly in the top half and looking to build momentum heading into the final stretch of the season. Home form has been a positive, highlighted by the recent 3-0 victory over Newton Aycliffe, and Craig Elliott’s side will be aiming to bounce back after two tough away results.

Redcar, meanwhile, set the standard at the top. They sit 1st with 87 points from 34 games, winning 28 of those fixtures and conceding just 30 goals all season — the best defensive record in the division. Their away form is equally strong, with 14 wins from 17 on the road, underlining the size of the challenge facing Avenue this weekend.

There’s added context between the sides too. Avenue knocked Redcar out of the FA Trophy earlier in the campaign, before suffering defeat in the league return fixture — setting up this clash as another competitive chapter between two sides who have already tested each other this season.

With Redcar pushing towards the title and Avenue looking to finish the season strongly and continue building at home, this promises to be a high-quality encounter at Horsfall.

Off the pitch, there’s plenty going on to make it a full matchday experience. Supporters can enjoy live music from Subrosa (1pm–3pm), £2.50 pints pre-match, the launch of the BPA Banger, and proper butchers burgers supplied by Taplins Butchers.

Around the ground, we’ll also be joined by a range of fantastic local stalls:

  • Bake My Day – Bake stall
  • Diamond Melts & Aromas – Home fragrance
  • Sarah Binns Creationz – Face painting, glitter tattoos, hair braiding & pocket money toys

It’s set up to be a big afternoon — and your support could make the difference.

Kick-off: 3:00pm
Venue: Horsfall Community Stadium

Tickets:
https://app.fanbaseclub.com/Fan/MatchCentre/Index/16285

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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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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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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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