23 Oct 2025

Brush Strokes of Belonging: Creativity and Inclusion at Horsfall Stadium

by | posted in: BPA Sports Foundation News, News | 0

The Bradford (Park Avenue) Sports Foundation is proud to announce Brush Strokes of Belonging — a unique creative and active workshop taking place at Horsfall Community Stadium on Monday 27 October 2025 (10am–2pm).

Designed for young people aged 8–16 — with a particular focus on neurodivergent children and young people with autism, ADHD, and SEMH needs — this special event offers a supportive environment to express creativity, build confidence, and connect through sport and art.

Delivered in partnership with Burley Banksy (Andy McVeigh) and SENDiVERSE Festival 2025, the workshop will give participants the opportunity to design and paint large-scale football-themed banners that celebrate community, belonging, and self-expression. Each banner will be proudly displayed around the stadium, allowing young people to see their creativity showcased in a public space.

Alongside the art sessions, participants will also enjoy inclusive football activities led by Foundation coaches — promoting teamwork, fun, and physical wellbeing in a relaxed, supportive setting. The combination of art and sport reflects the Foundation’s mission to make every child feel valued, confident, and connected, both on and off the pitch.

The celebration doesn’t end there — all participants will be invited back for a follow-up event on Saturday 15 November 2025, when Bradford (Park Avenue) host Consett (3pm kick-off). The young artists will attend the match as official mascots, with their artwork displayed around the ground, celebrating inclusion, creativity, and community spirit.

💚 Event Details
Date: Monday 27 October 2025
Time: 10:00am – 2:00pm
Location: Horsfall Community Stadium, BD6 2NG
For: Young people aged 8–16 (must be accompanied by a parent/carer)
Focus: Neurodivergent children and young people with autism, ADHD, and SEMH needs

🎨 Follow-Up Event:
Saturday 15 November – Bradford (Park Avenue) vs Consett (3pm KO)
Participants will attend as matchday mascots and see their artwork showcased around the ground.

👉 Sign up here: https://forms.gle/Bb8RF71WtBmemm1y5
📩 For more information: Mathew.Everett@bpafc.com

23 Oct 2025

Bradford (Park Avenue) Sports Foundation Presents at Rotary District Conference

by | posted in: BPA Sports Foundation News, News | 0

A few weeks ago, the Bradford (Park Avenue) Sports Foundation was proud to represent our community at the Rotary District Conference, held at the historic Scarborough Spa.

The two-day event celebrated the outstanding work of Rotary clubs across Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire in supporting young people, the environment, health, and community wellbeing.

Our Community Director, Mat Everett, was invited to present as part of the Youth Showcase, delivering an engaging session on the Foundation’s partnership work with Rotary and the positive impact these projects are having in Bradford.

Mat highlighted the progress of key initiatives including Rotary Kickback, Breaking Barriers, and our ongoing Extra Time Club sessions — all designed to use football as a force for good, helping young people build confidence, resilience, and community connection.

The conference featured an inspiring range of speakers, including keynote presentations from Rev. Kate Bottley and Christa Ackroyd, alongside panels exploring youth engagement, leadership, and wellbeing. Attendees also enjoyed live performances from a Rotary Young Musician finalist, interactive showcases, and a live illustrator capturing the energy of the weekend.

💚 The Foundation would like to thank Rotary in Yorkshire & North Lincolnshire for the invitation and their continued support of our work. Together, we’re creating opportunities and changing lives through sport, education, and partnership.

👉 Support the Bradford (Park Avenue) Sports Foundation and our work across the community: https://localgiving.org/charity/bpasportsfoundation

20 Oct 2025

Breaking Barriers: Real Voices, Real Change in Bradford

by | posted in: BPA Sports Foundation News, News | 0

The Bradford (Park Avenue) Sports Foundation has released a powerful new video showcasing the impact of its Breaking Barriers initiative — an education and prevention programme tackling knife crime, violence, and anti-social behaviour through honest discussion, lived experience, and sport.

The video features Councillor Naushad Moosa, ward officer for Royds Ward, alongside pupils who attended the event at Horsfall Community Stadium, where young people took part in interactive workshops, football activities, and inspiring sessions with guest speakers including Tim Haigh of Lived Experiences.

Councillor Moosa said:

“Knife crime doesn’t just affect individuals — it affects families, friends, and whole neighbourhoods. Too many lives have been changed or lost because of one bad decision or one moment of anger.”

“This workshop is about changing that story — it’s about awareness, prevention, and giving young people the confidence to make positive choices.”

During the event, pupils shared what they learned about decision-making, consequences, and responsibility:

“It’s been a great experience to come to Bradford Park Avenue because we’ve learned a lot — if you have a knife, you’ve got to think before you do something. If a friend tells you to do something wrong and you just do it, the police can arrest you, and like Tim said, it’s a horrible feeling.”

Another participant reflected:

“Violence is not okay. We learned so much about how to keep ourselves safe — and that carrying a knife could mean a lifetime in jail.”

Breaking Barriers was developed by the Bradford (Park Avenue) Sports Foundation in collaboration with West Yorkshire Police, the NHS, and Lived Experiences, to help young people see the real impact of violent choices — not through fear, but through understanding, empathy, and truth.

Councillor Moosa praised the approach, adding:

“This kind of work is proactive, not reactive. It’s about education, prevention, and reaching young people early — giving them the right tools to make better decisions.”

💚 The Foundation would like to thank Councillor Naushad Moosa, Tim Haigh, and all the schools and partners involved in delivering another meaningful and inspiring Breaking Barriers event.

👉 Watch the full video below and support our ongoing community work: https://localgiving.org/charity/bpasportsfoundation

YouTube player
18 Oct 2025

MATCH REPORT: Bradford (Park Avenue) 0–0 Heaton Stannington

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Saturday 18 October 2025 | Horsfall Community Stadium | Attendance: 360

Bradford (Park Avenue) were held to a goalless draw at the Horsfall Community Stadium as both sides battled for control in a competitive Northern Premier League East encounter.

Craig Elliott’s side started strongly and created the better chances in the first half. Marcus Carver’s early free kick was pushed away by Heaton goalkeeper Alfie Gordon, with Kareem Hassan-Smith firing the rebound into the side netting. Carver later struck a volley straight into the keeper’s gloves, before Joe Ackroyd’s low effort was blocked by a defender inside the box.

Mark Beevers, returning from injury to captain the side, went close with a half-volley that drifted just wide of the post, while Ackroyd again tested the goalkeeper shortly before the break as Avenue pushed for an opener.

The second half saw few clear chances as Heaton Stannington defended deep and slowed the tempo. Carver’s header midway through the half was well saved, and Louie Chorlton had a half-chance after stretching to meet a loose ball, though his effort was comfortably gathered. Late on, substitute Luke Parkin’s half-volley deflected wide for a corner as Avenue continued to press, but the breakthrough never came.

The draw extends Avenue’s unbeaten run to five matches in all competitions, though the result sees them remain third in the Northern Premier League East table on 28 points — one behind Matlock Town and two off new leaders Redcar Athletic.

After the match, manager Craig Elliott said the team “played really well first half” but admitted frustration with the second, adding that “we’re still in a strong position and will keep improving.”
🎥 Watch the full interview here: Craig Elliott Post-Match

Captain Mark Beevers, making his return from injury, described the result as “feeling a bit like a defeat,” but was pleased with another clean sheet on his comeback.
🎥 Watch the full interview here: Mark Beevers Post-Match

Avenue now turn their attention to Tuesday night, when they host Pontefract Collieries in the West Riding County Cup (7:45pm KO), before welcoming Morpeth Town to the Horsfall in the Isuzu FA Trophy First Round Proper next Saturday.

16 Oct 2025

Volunteer Roles Available at Bradford (Park Avenue)

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Bradford (Park Avenue) is built on the passion and dedication of its volunteers — the people who help our club and community thrive both on and off the pitch.

As we continue to grow across all areas of the club, we are looking for enthusiastic individuals to join our team of volunteers and play their part in the future of Avenue.

There are several roles currently available, including:

  • Junior Coaches – Help develop the next generation of players through our junior and community sessions.
  • Admin Roles – Support the smooth running of club operations, fixtures, and communications.
  • Ground Maintenance – Assist with the upkeep of the Horsfall Community Stadium and surrounding facilities.
  • Turnstile Operators – Be part of our matchday team welcoming supporters through the gates.
  • Media Assistants – Help create engaging digital content, match reports, and photography for the Green Army.

Volunteering at Bradford (Park Avenue) is a fantastic opportunity to gain experience, meet new people, and contribute to a historic community football club. Whether you can spare a few hours on matchdays or want to get involved more regularly, we’d love to hear from you.

To find out more or register your interest, please email Thomas.McStravick@bpafc.com

16 Oct 2025

Special Fanbase Ticket Offer: Bradford (Park Avenue) vs Heaton Stannington

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Bradford (Park Avenue) are back at the Horsfall Community Stadium this Saturday, 18th October, as they take on Heaton Stannington in the Northern Premier League East Division.

Kick-off is at 3pm, and supporters can take advantage of a special discounted ticket offer available exclusively on Fanbase — the perfect chance to come down and back Craig Elliott’s men in league action.

🎟 Special Offer (Fanbase Only):

  • Adults: £8
  • Concessions: £5
  • Youth (12–17): £3
  • Juniors (Under 12s): £1

🍽 Hospitality: £15 per person

Tickets are available now via Fanbase:
👉 https://app.fanbaseclub.com/Fan/Tickets/SelectType?fixtureId=15600

Come and enjoy an afternoon of football at Horsfall — a great atmosphere, great value, and your chance to get behind the lads as we look to keep pushing on in the league campaign.

9 Oct 2025

Minibus Travel to Blyth Town – Book Your Seat Now!

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

Bradford (Park Avenue) supporters can now book their place on the club’s official minibus for this Saturday’s away fixture against Blyth Town.

The Green Army will be heading north to back Craig Elliott’s side as they look to bounce back following last weekend’s narrow defeat to North Ferriby.

The minibus will depart from the Horsfall Community Stadium at 10:45am, with a second pick-up at Cedar Court at 11:00am.

Seats are priced at £10 per person, and places are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

To reserve your seat, please email Thomas.McStravick@bpafc.com.

Get behind the lads and be part of the Avenue support on the road this weekend!

7 Oct 2025

Match Preview | Bradford (Park Avenue) vs North Ferriby

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Tuesday 7th October 2025 | 7:45pm KO | Horsfall Community Stadium

Bradford (Park Avenue) return to Northern Premier League East action tonight as they welcome North Ferriby to the Horsfall Community Stadium for what promises to be another thrilling midweek encounter under the lights.

Craig Elliott’s side remain unbeaten in their opening 11 league matches, and their incredible form has seen them top the table with 12 unbeaten games in all competitions — a run that includes three FA Trophy victories. Avenue’s only defeat this season came back in August, in the FA Cup against Avro.

The Green Army head into tonight’s match following a 2–1 win over Heaton Stannington in the FA Trophy on Friday night, where goals from Jak McCourt and Tom Corner sealed Avenue’s place in the next round. Confidence remains high as Elliott’s side look to extend their unbeaten streak and continue their push at the summit of the table.

Visitors North Ferriby have also been enjoying a strong run of form, currently unbeaten in seven matches across all competitions. Their last defeat came away at Bridlington Town on 25th August, and since then they’ve built momentum with key results including a 3–0 win over Silsden and a 2–0 victory against Garforth Town, followed by a goalless draw at Blyth Town on Saturday.

Both sides are known for their defensive discipline, with only 6 goals conceded between them, and with Ferriby’s resurgence and Avenue’s unbeaten streak, tonight’s clash has all the makings of a closely contested fixture.

Looking ahead to the match, Craig Elliott said:

“ North Ferriby will be a team that’s right up there. They’re very well organised, with a good manager, so I’m expecting a tough game. We’re on a good run, we’ve got some minutes into lads who haven’t played recently (On Friday), and we’ll prepare properly and look forward to it.”

Kick-off is at 7:45pm — join us at the Horsfall and back the lads as they look to make it 13 unbeaten!

🎟️ Tickets:
£10 Adults/Concessions
£5 Students, Blue Light, Forces
£3 Youth (12–17)
£1 Juniors (U12s)
👉 Buy online now

6 Oct 2025

FA Trophy Draw: Avenue to Host Runcorn Linnets or Morpeth Town

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Bradford (Park Avenue) have been drawn at home in the Isuzu FA Trophy First Round Proper, where we will face either Runcorn Linnets or Morpeth Town.

The tie will take place at the Horsfall Community Stadium on Saturday 25th October, 3:00pm kick-off.

We will find out our opponents following the conclusion of Runcorn Linnets’ Third Qualifying Round tie against Morpeth Town, which takes place on Tuesday 7th October, 7:45pm at the Apec Taxis Stadium.

Runcorn advanced to this stage in emphatic fashion, beating Bury 7–0 on Saturday in the Second Qualifying Round.

Following this draw, we can also confirm that our scheduled Northern Premier League East Division fixture away at Newton Aycliffe has been postponed, with a new date to be announced in due course.

Craig Elliott’s side will now prepare for Tuesday night’s league fixture against North Ferriby, as attention begins to build for another exciting FA Trophy clash under the lights at Horsfall later this month.

Tickets for Tuesday’s league clash vs North Ferriby are available now – https://app.fanbaseclub.com/Fan/Fixtures/Index?fanStoreType=Fixtures&clubId=361