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

As we move into the closing stages of the season, we want to take the opportunity to provide an update to supporters and to reaffirm our shared focus as a football club.

On the pitch, our priority is clear.
Everyone at Bradford (Park Avenue) is fully focused on finishing in a play-off position and giving ourselves the best possible chance of promotion. Players, staff, volunteers and management are aligned in that ambition, and our energy is firmly on finishing the season as strongly as we can.

Support at Horsfall is crucial.
Horsfall Community Stadium is a place where we all belong and everyone connected to the club is united and fully behind the team. We absolutely recognise that supporters are entitled to their opinions. Football of course is built on passion and debate. However, there is a clear line between opinion and abuse. Targeted or personal abuse towards players, staff, volunteers or officials will not be tolerated either in person or online.

These individuals give an enormous amount to this club, often behind the scenes, and deserve respect. We ask everyone to play their part in making Horsfall a place where we are all in it together. Every football team has its ups and downs throughout a season. There’s no entitlement to win every game, we have to work hard and earn three points on a match-day, just like the recent victory against Matlock Town. You may have heard Craig’s post-match reaction on Tuesday, it’s important we stick together as a collective, both on off the field. Let’s give Craig and the boys all our support for what looks to be an exciting run in.

Planning for the future is already underway.
While the immediate focus is on the play-offs, the club is also working hard behind the scenes to prepare for next season. This includes discussions around commercial partnerships and sponsorships, pre-season schedule as well as detailed planning for the playing squad under different scenarios.

Whether Plan A or Plan B, the aim is to ensure the club is well-prepared, sustainable and competitive. We have recently signed off on our new kit designs for 2026/27 season after a lot of discussions and planning with Capelli Sports. We have listened to your feedback regarding the away kit colours and I’m sure you will agree the new designs are an absolute beauty – all will be revealed in pre-season.

We have seen some recent uptake on our match day sponsorship packages. Please get in touch with thomas.stevens@bpafc.com if you wish to sponsor a game this season or next. There are many other sponsorship opportunities available so get in touch for more information. You can also show your support by popping into the newly developed club shop which is now superbly managed by our latest volunteer recruit, Hayley, who will be sure to provide you with a warm welcome.

Our role in the community remains vital.
Bradford (Park Avenue) is more than just a first team. Our ongoing community work through the foundation, youth development, and local partnerships continues to be a core part of who we are. Our work with West Yorkshire Police has seen us engage over 100 young people via our anti-knife crime programmes.

Our new partnership with Leeds Bradford Airport includes a 6m x 3m billboard to visibly share our community brand. We have mobilised women-only sessions, and our partnership with Rotary and the Youth Service has engaged over 200 young people in weekly drop-in football sessions. This commitment remains central to the club’s long-term vision.

Finally, we want to thank the many supporters who continue to back the club in the right way, home and away. Your support matters, and together we can make the final weeks of the season something to be proud of both on and off the pitch.

We move forward together.

Tom McStravick

Bradford (Park Avenue) AFC
Sporting & Executive Director

Bradford (Park Avenue) AFC are gutted to announce that goalkeeper Jake Oram has been recalled by Doncaster Rovers due to an injury within their first-team squad.

While we are naturally disappointed to lose Jake at this stage, we fully understand the situation and wish him nothing but the best as he returns to his parent club.

Jake made one appearance for the Avenue during his time at the Horsfall Community Stadium, keeping a clean sheet in our 2–0 victory over Matlock Town.

Everyone at Bradford (Park Avenue) would like to thank Jake for his contribution and wish him well as he steps back into the Doncaster Rovers matchday squad.

Bradford (Park Avenue) AFC are pleased to confirm the signing of goalkeeper Jake Oram, who joins the club on loan until the end of the 2025/26 season.

The 19-year-old arrives with valuable non-league experience already under his belt, having spent time out on loan with both Hallam and Matlock Town across this season. Jake also gained further senior minutes during the 2024/25 campaign with Liversedge, continuing his development in competitive first-team environments.

Highly recommended by those he has worked with, Jake is regarded as a composed and reliable presence between the posts, showing maturity beyond his years and a strong work ethic. His experience across multiple clubs at step level has helped prepare him well for the demands of senior football.

First Team Manager Craig Elliott said:
“Delighted to sign Jake, he has really good experience from playing for numerous teams in this league. He’s highly regarded at Doncaster Rovers so I’m grateful for their help. We now have two excellent young goalkeepers that will only improve us.”

Goalkeeper coach Karlos Leneghan also had this to say:
“As a management team, we are constantly looking to strengthen the squad to give us the best possible chance of continuing our promotion push. Jake offers us both resilience and experience at this level and will play a pivotal part in our efforts to achieve a successful season.”

The move adds further depth and competition to the goalkeeping department as the Avenue continue to strengthen their squad for the remainder of the campaign.

Everyone at Bradford (Park Avenue) would like to welcome Jake to the club and wish him every success during his time at the Horsfall Community Stadium.

Match proudly sponsored by The Walkie Talkies – 60+ Only, email Gerry Sutcliffe at gerrysut@icloud.com for more info!

Bradford (Park Avenue) return to Horsfall Community Stadium tomorrow, on Tuesday 3 February for a rearranged Northern Premier League East Division fixture, welcoming high-flying Matlock Town to BD6.

With the business end of the season approaching, this one comes with plenty on the line. Avenue go into the night in 5th place on 47 points from 28 games, while Matlock sit 2nd with 58 points from 27. A home win would move Avenue level on points with 4th-placed Dunston (50) and keep the pressure on the teams above in the play-off places.

Avenue’s recent form has been steady, taking five points from the last three matches. The goalless spells have been limited, with a strong 4-0 win at Ashington followed by back-to-back draws: 2-2 at home to Bridlington Town and 1-1 away at North Ferriby. Across the last six league matches, Avenue have recorded two wins, two draws and two defeats, showing the ability to respond well after setbacks.

Matlock arrive in outstanding shape and firmly in the promotion picture. Their recent results underline the challenge: wins at Hallam (2-1), at home to Blyth Spartans (1-0), and a 3-2 victory over Bridlington Town. Over their last six matches, they’ve won five and lost one, collecting 15 points in that spell. They’ll be looking to maintain momentum and apply pressure at the top of the table.

For Avenue, nights under the lights at Horsfall can be decisive, and the backing of the Green Army will be key against one of the division’s strongest sides. With both teams carrying good recent form, it’s set up to be a competitive, high-tempo contest.

Match details

Tuesday 3 February 2026 | 7:45pm
Horsfall Community Stadium, BD6 2NG
Bradford (Park Avenue) vs Matlock Town

Matchday Sponsor – Yorkshire Walkie Talkies!
We’re proud to be sponsored for Tuesday night’s match by The Walkie Talkies – a brilliant Over 60s football and walking group with deep roots at Avenue. Many of the group went to junior and senior school together, played football together, and have supported Avenue since childhood. Now mostly in their seventies, they still keep active through walking football and regular walks, while also raising money for local charities.

The Walkie Talkies are open to Over 60s only. If you’d like to get involved, email Gerry Sutcliffe at gerrysut@icloud.com for more information.

Tickets

Buy online here: https://app.fanbaseclub.com/Fan/Tickets/SelectType?fixtureId=162803

Prices:
£10 Adults/Concessions
£5 Students/Blue Light/Forces
£3 Youth (12–17)
£1 Juniors (U12s)

Hospitality

Hospitality is available at £15 per person.

Match proudly sponsored by Sebastian Jones Properties LTD

Bradford (Park Avenue) return to league action on Saturday afternoon as we host Bridlington Town at the Horsfall Community Stadium, with a 3pm kick-off.

With cup football now behind them, Craig Elliott’s side can turn full focus to the league campaign, where a key opportunity presents itself to gain ground in the table and strengthen our position in the play-off places. As the season moves into a decisive phase, consistency and momentum will be crucial.

Avenue currently sit fifth in the NPL East standings, having collected 45 points from 26 matches. Home form has provided a solid foundation this season, with six wins and four draws from 12 league fixtures at Horsfall, and Saturday’s contest offers another chance to make home advantage count.

Last weekend’s commanding 4–0 away victory at Ashington served as a timely boost, with goals from Marcus Carver and Adam Haw highlighting a dominant performance. That display will be the benchmark as attention turns fully back to league matters and the push for points intensifies.

Bridlington Town make the trip to West Yorkshire positioned 14th in the table on 29 points. While recent results have been challenging for the visitors, they will arrive determined to respond, and Avenue will be keen to start on the front foot and impose themselves early.

The reverse fixture earlier in the season saw the points shared, following a 0-0 draw at Queensgate. With valuable points on offer and the play-off race tightening, the focus is firmly on the league and delivering a positive performance on home soil.

Supporters are also reminded that this weekend’s matchday programme will include a 20% off Club Shop voucher, so be sure to pick one up before kick-off. Available in the Clubhouse and Club Shop.

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Match Details

Fixture: Bradford (Park Avenue) vs Bridlington Town
Competition: Northern Premier League East Division
Date: Saturday 24 January 2026
Kick-Off: 3:00pm
Venue: Horsfall Community Stadium, Cemetery Road, BD6 2NG

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Admission Prices

• Adults & Concessions: £10
• Students / Blue Light / Armed Forces: £5
• Youth (12–17): £3
• Juniors (Under 12s): £1

Hospitality: £15 per person

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Match Sponsor

Sebastian Jones Properties Ltd

We are pleased to welcome Sebastian Jones Properties Ltd as our match sponsor for Saturday’s fixture.

Sebastian Jones Properties Ltd are a family-run business specialising in buying, selling, and transforming properties across Yorkshire. From full property acquisitions to high-quality finishing services including plastering, painting, and rendering, their work is built on care, craftsmanship, and attention to detail.

Whether supporting homeowners looking to sell, investors seeking opportunities, or clients planning renovation projects, Sebastian Jones Properties Ltd are committed to delivering quality results and making property goals a reality.

The club would like to place on record our thanks to Sebastian Jones Properties Ltd for their valued support of Bradford (Park Avenue) and for sponsoring Saturday’s match at the Horsfall Community Stadium.

Website: https://www.sebastianjonesproperties.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61582979471438&rdid=3sRCpATDQQIXVfxH
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sebastianjonesproperties

Bradford (Park Avenue) can confirm that Joe Ackroyd has departed the club to pursue football at a higher level.

Joe joined the Avenue ahead of the current campaign and went on to make 35 appearances in all competitions, scoring three goals and providing five assists during his time at the Horsfall Community Stadium. A tenacious and creative midfielder, he was a regular presence in the side and contributed consistently across the season.

Despite still being in the early stages of his career, Joe brought valuable experience with him, having progressed through the Barnsley FC Academy and gained senior experience in both domestic and overseas football prior to arriving at Avenue. His professionalism, work rate, and commitment were evident throughout his spell with the club.

While the club is naturally disappointed to see Joe move on, this opportunity allows him to continue his development and test himself at a higher level.

Everyone at the club would like to place on record their thanks to Joe for his efforts in green and white and wishes him every success in his future career.

Bradford (Park Avenue) is delighted to confirm the signing of forward Ben Andreucci, subject to Northern Premier League approval.

The 21-year-old arrives at the Horsfall Community Stadium with a strong background in the professional game and a growing reputation at senior non-league level, adding further attacking depth to Craig Elliott’s squad.

Born in Bedford, Andreucci came through the youth system at Leeds United before making the move to Bolton Wanderers, where he signed a two-year professional contract. He progressed into Bolton’s B team and gained valuable senior experience through a number of loan spells.

Those spells included productive periods with Buxton and Darlington in the National League North, where he continued to develop his all-round game and goalscoring instincts. Alongside his club career, Andreucci has also represented Scotland at Under-19 level, earning seven international caps, and made his senior debut for Bolton Wanderers in a competitive fixture.

During the current season with Cleethorpes Town, Andreucci has featured regularly, making 22 appearances and scoring four goals. His consistency, movement, and work rate in the final third have made him a key attacking presence and a sought-after forward at this level.

Andreucci now makes the move to Avenue as the club looks to strengthen its attacking options for the remainder of the campaign. Everyone at Bradford (Park Avenue) would like to welcome Ben to the Horsfall Community Stadium and wish him every success in green and white.

Bradford (Park Avenue) AFC can confirm that forward Myles La Bastide has been released from the club to allow him the opportunity to pursue regular first-team football elsewhere.

Myles departs the Horsfall Community Stadium having made nine appearances during the current campaign, scoring once, and leaves with the club’s best wishes for the next stage of his career.

A product of Bradford (Park Avenue)’s Football Education Programme, Myles’ journey with the club stands as a strong example of the development pathway available at Horsfall. After progressing through the programme, he earned a professional contract in 2023 and went on to gain valuable senior experience in green and white.

During his debut First Team season in 2023/24, Myles made 18 appearances and scored four goals, while also benefiting from loan spells with Frickley Athletic and Pontefract Collieries. He continued that progression in the 2024/25 season, contributing six goals across 23 appearances and establishing himself as a regular attacking option.

With opportunities limited this season, the club has taken the decision to release Myles so he can explore further game time elsewhere and continue his development.

Everyone at Bradford (Park Avenue) would like to thank Myles for his commitment, professionalism, and efforts during his time at the club, and we wish him every success going forward, both on and off the pitch.