Sam Sutcliffe’s story is one of steady growth through opportunity, hard work and community. He first joined Bradford (Park Avenue) as a BPA Junior, discovering his love for the game at Horsfall. As his confidence and commitment grew, Sam progressed into our Football Education Programme, where he achieved a BTEC Level 3 in Coaching.

While studying, Sam began to volunteer with our juniors, supporting weekend sessions and matchdays. That early experience led to paid coaching roles across the club’s pathway—Player Lab technical sessions, Holiday Camps and our community tournaments—where he’s become a familiar, reliable face for children and parents alike.

Now, the BPA Sports Foundation is supporting the next step in his development: the Level 2 Award in Youth Work Practice with E.D.G.E. This qualification complements Sam’s coaching by deepening his skills in safeguarding, mentoring and youth engagement—qualities that matter on the pitch and far beyond it.

A word from E.D.G.E.

“I am really pleased that the foundation has decided to support Sam to complete his Level 2 Award in Youth Work Practice with E.D.G.E. I have known Sam for a while now, he shows such care and passion towards the young people whilst coaching. This course will help strengthen his knowledge and skills both on and off the pitch to help him be a more rounded coach and mentor. Moving forwards this in turn will develop the programs the foundation is offering within the community and benefit many other people.”
— Tina Ratnik, E.D.G.E. tutor and CEO

For more details about the course and other opportunities with E.D.G.E. please email tinarratnik.edge@gmail.com

Why this matters

Sam’s pathway—junior player, scholar, volunteer, coach, and now youth work trainee—shows what “belonging” looks like in practice. With the Foundation’s support, he’s gaining the tools to be not only a better coach, but a positive role model who can help young people navigate challenges, build confidence and find their place in the community.

What’s next

Alongside completing his Level 2 Award, Sam will continue to play an active role across the club and Foundation—supporting our Player Lab on Monday nights, Juniors training on Wednesday nights, and a range of community events throughout the year. He is also delivering at our brand-new Rotary Kickback sessions on Friday nights (9–10pm), which use football as a vehicle for building confidence, wellbeing and positive futures for young people.

To sign up for Kickback, email Foundation@bpafc.com.

The result is a stronger programme for local young people—and a clear route for future BPA Juniors to follow in his footsteps.

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

Photos from John Rhodes Photography and Eric Murphy Photography

Bradford (Park Avenue) closed out the opening month of the 2025/26 Northern Premier League East Division unbeaten, sitting top of the table with three wins and three draws from their opening six fixtures.

It has been a month that showcased both resilience and promise, with Craig Elliott’s side grinding out results against promotion contenders and finding momentum across a busy opening month.

Full August goals video available at the bottom of this article.

Matlock Town 0-0 Bradford (Park Avenue) – Saturday 9 August

The campaign began with a hard-fought point on the road against one of the division’s fancied sides. A disciplined display saw Avenue hold Matlock to a goalless draw at The Proctor Cars Stadium.

Marcus Carver almost stole the headlines with an audacious long-range effort, while at the other end Jack Hall remained largely untroubled. A competitive contest set the tone for Avenue’s defensive organisation, with Elliott praising his side’s structure and work rate.

Bradford (Park Avenue) 1-1 Emley – Tuesday 12 August

Horsfall hosted Avenue’s first home game, an entertaining clash with Emley. After falling behind to a fine strike from Laurence Sorhaindo, the hosts hit back immediately as Connor Shanks teed up Louie Chorlton for a composed equaliser.

Avenue dominated much of the second half, creating several chances and even striking the woodwork, but the match ended in chaos as Mark Beevers and Jameel Ible both saw red in a frantic finale. The point kept Avenue unbeaten, though suspensions loomed. Mark Beevers red card was later rescinded after a quick FA investigation.

Hallam 1-1 Bradford (Park Avenue) – Tuesday 19 August

A first-ever league visit to Sandygate, the world’s oldest football ground, produced another battling draw. Hallam started brightly and went ahead through Brandon Bradbury before missing a chance to double their lead from the penalty spot.

Avenue grew into the contest and levelled through a thunderous Prince Ekpolo strike from distance. Chances came at both ends in an open second half, but neither side could find the winner.

Bradford (Park Avenue) 3-1 Dunston UTS – Saturday 23 August

Victory finally arrived in style at Horsfall. Carver’s bullet header from a Winfield corner gave Avenue a deserved first-half lead, and Dunston were reduced to 10 men before the break.

The visitors briefly levelled through Jude Swailes, but Avenue responded immediately as Chorlton restored the advantage before turning provider for Winfield to add a third. A confident performance earned Elliott his first league win of the season.

Pontefract Collieries 0-3 Bradford (Park Avenue) – Monday 25 August

Momentum carried Avenue to back-to-back wins over the Bank Holiday weekend. Playing at Ossett United’s Ingfield ground, Avenue turned on the style in the second half.

Captain Beevers broke the deadlock with a header, before Winfield lashed in a brilliant second moments later. The winger was at it again late on, his free kick looping in to seal a commanding 3-0 victory.

Bradford (Park Avenue) 1-0 Ossett United – Friday 29 August

The month ended under the lights at Horsfall, with Avenue grinding out a third straight win. Carver struck the decisive goal, reacting quickest after Hassan-Smith’s low ball was parried into his path.

Though not the most fluent display, Avenue’s togetherness and defensive resolve saw them take maximum points and climb to the top of the table.

Manager’s Reflection

Speaking after the Ossett United victory, Elliott said:

“I don’t think it was the best game and I don’t think it’s the best we’ve played this year, but I don’t really care to be honest with you. They’re the wins that you look back on and enjoy throughout the season. We showed a lot of grit, determination and togetherness to grind out a 1-0 win against a team that make it hard for you.

I think it was us that had the better moments – Louie had a really strong game and got into good positions. In the end I’m just really happy to win the game, get a clean sheet, stay unbeaten and keep the positive vibe going at the club.

Three wins now in less than a week – you’ve got to be happy with that. I know how hard it is to win games in this league. Lots of teams give you different challenges, and there are different pitches to deal with away from home. To do that while carrying a few injuries too, it’s a lot of credit to the players. Hopefully they can now recover, get a good week of training in, and be ready for the next challenge.”

Watch all the goals from August below.

Bradford (Park Avenue) return to Horsfall Stadium TONIGHT as they take on Ossett United under the lights in the Pitching In Northern Premier League East Division.

Craig Elliott’s side head into the fixture on the back of a positive Bank Holiday weekend, securing back-to-back victories over Dunston UTS and Pontefract Collieries. Saturday’s 3–1 win at Horsfall was followed by a commanding 3–0 triumph away at Ingfield, where Mark Beevers and Charlie Winfield (2) were on the scoresheet. The results leave Avenue unbeaten in the league and building momentum as the early stages of the season continue.

Tonight’s visitors Ossett United have had a difficult start to the season, with 3 losses and 1 draw. Matches between the two sides have traditionally been competitive and well-attended, and another lively contest is expected under the lights at Horsfall.

Kick-off is at 7:45pm and Avenue will be hoping for another strong backing from the Green Army as they look to continue their unbeaten run.

Match Details

• Fixture: Bradford (Park Avenue) vs Ossett United
• Date: Friday 29th August
• Kick-off: 7:45pm
• Venue: Horsfall Stadium, Cemetery Road, Bradford, BD6 2NG

Admission Prices

• Adults/Concessions: £10
• Students/Blue Light/Forces (with valid ID): £5
• Youth (12–17): £3
• Under 12s: £1

Hospitality
Hospitality packages are available at £20 per person, or £10 for Season Ticket holders.

Tickets
Tickets can be purchased online in advance here:
https://app.fanbaseclub.com/Fan/Tickets/SelectType?fixtureId=14302

Bradford (Park Avenue) head into Bank Holiday Monday football on the back of an excellent 3–1 win over Dunston UTS at the Horsfall Community Stadium.

Marcus Carver’s first-half header, followed by quickfire second-half goals from Louie Chorlton and Charlie Winfield, gave Craig Elliott’s side their first league win of the season and extended their unbeaten run.

Attention now turns to Monday’s clash with Pontefract Collieries. Supporters should note that this fixture will not be played at Pontefract’s usual home ground. Instead, the match will take place at Ossett United’s Ingfield Stadium, Prospect Road, Ossett, WF5 9HL. Kick-off is at 3pm.

Ticket prices are as follows:

• Adults: £10
• Concessions (65+): £7
• Under 16s: £4

Tickets can be purchased online here: https://pontecolls.ticketco.events/uk/en/m/e/bradford_park_avenue1

For those unable to make the journey, legendary commentator John Helm will provide full live coverage on AvenueOnAir. You can listen live at https://avenueonair.mixlr.com/

Bradford (Park Avenue) can confirm two changes to our upcoming Northern Premier League East Division fixtures.

Our home fixture against Grimsby Borough, originally scheduled for Saturday 30th August, has been rearranged due to Grimsby’s progression in the Emirates FA Cup. The match will now take place on:

Tuesday 9th September vs Grimsby Borough
7:45pm kick-off
Horsfall Community Stadium

In addition, our home fixture against Ossett United, which was originally set for Saturday 22nd November, will now be played earlier in the season. Both sides have exited the FA Cup, allowing the fixture to be brought forward to:

Friday 29th August vs Ossett United
7:45pm kick-off
Horsfall Community Stadium

Tickets for both fixtures will be available soon via Fanbase.

We look forward to welcoming supporters to Horsfall for these two exciting matches under the lights.

Bradford (Park Avenue) are back at the Horsfall Community Stadium this Saturday, 23rd August, as we welcome Dunston UTS in the Northern Premier League East Division. Kick-off is at 3pm.

Tickets are available now via Fanbase, with both general admission and hospitality options on sale.

🎟 Match & Hospitality Tickets all on Fanbase!
Supporters can secure their place in advance through Fanbase:
👉 https://app.fanbaseclub.com/Fan/Fixtures/Index?fanStoreType=Fixtures&clubId=361

🍴 Hospitality
Join us for matchday hospitality at the Horsfall. Enjoy food, drink, and the best view of the action.

• £10 per person for Season Ticket holders
• £20 per person for all other supporters

Book your place today and make your matchday extra special.

We look forward to welcoming the Green Army back to the Horsfall this weekend!

Bradford (Park Avenue) can confirm that our appeal against the red card shown to Mark Beevers in Tuesday night’s fixture has been successful.

Mark was initially set to serve a one-match suspension for DOGSO (Denial of an Obvious Goal Scoring Opportunity). However, following a full review, the Football Association have overturned the decision.

We would like to thank the FA for their swift and efficient handling of the matter.