Bradford (Park Avenue) Community Sports Foundation would like to thank Willow Tree Mortgages for their kind donation to our LocalGiving page. Their support helps us deliver life-changing projects for young people across Bradford, using the power of football to inspire, connect, and build stronger communities.
Your support helps us create real opportunities for young people:
⚽ £50 – Runs a free drop-in football session for 16 young people, giving them fun, fitness, and friendship.
⚽ £100 – Provides five children with free places on our holiday multi-sport course, keeping them active and engaged.
⚽ £250 – Funds an inclusive trip for our disability participants, ensuring everyone can join in and feel included.
⚽ £500 – Supports our Play it Forward project, providing mentoring and resilience training for 20 young people in an educational workshop.
💚 Every pound you donate directly builds safer, healthier, and more inclusive communities through football.
Bradford (Park Avenue) AFC, through the BPA Sports Foundation, are delighted to announce an exciting new collaboration with local artist Burley Banksy and Anne Seneviratne, former Ofsted inspector.
The partnership will see the club working alongside both to deliver a series of creative and inspiring projects designed to engage young people across Bradford.
The focus of the collaboration will be to:
Find innovative ways to engage and inspire young people
Use the power of football, art, and education to strengthen community links
Promote the club’s values of belonging, passion, and ambition
By bringing together football, creativity, and education, this partnership will help deliver fresh ideas and new opportunities, strengthening the role of Bradford (Park Avenue) within the local community.
Further updates on this work will be shared in the coming months as the Foundation continues to grow both on and off the pitch.
In addition, the club still has a small number of places available on its Football Education Sport Programmes, based at the Horsfall Community Stadium:
BTEC Level 3 National Certificate in Sport
BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma in Sport
BTEC Level 4 HNC (Higher National Certificate) in Sport
These programmes offer the opportunity to train daily in a professional football environment, study with like-minded people, and access pathways into university, coaching, scholarships, and careers in sport.
Bradford (Park Avenue) are pleased to confirm the return of experienced striker Tom Corner to the Horsfall Community Stadium.
Corner came through the ranks at Grimsby Town, making his first-team debut in the 2010/11 season before a surprise move to Spanish side Racing Portuense the following year. His career since has seen him feature across a host of Northern non-league clubs, including spells with Ossett Town, Tadcaster Albion, Buxton, Scarborough Athletic, Ossett United and, notably, Avenue themselves.
Most recently, Corner enjoyed six seasons with North Ferriby, where he proved to be a consistent performer. In the 2023/24 campaign he registered 16 goals in 45 appearances, and last term (2024/25) he made 39 appearances, finding the net 5 times.
Across his career, the 33-year-old forward has racked up nearly 400 appearances and scored over 150 goals, underlining his pedigree and experience at this level.
First Team Manager Craig Elliott was pleased to add further strength to his attacking options:
“Tom is a very experienced striker with a physical presence. We are light in central striker options so he will help us adapt in certain games. He also benefits from playing in this league over the last few years so he knows exactly what it’s about and can hit the ground running.”
Corner is equally looking forward to pulling on the green and white shirt once again:
“It’s great to get it sorted. I’ve been speaking to Craig and Tully for some time now. I’ve taken a step back from football at the start of the season because I’ve got a young family and juggling my time with football and work can be difficult. Our situations have married up to it suits both parties. I’ve always followed the club since I was last here too, so it’s great to be back and especially at a time where you can see they are doing everything they can to get back to the levels they’ve been before. Hopefully I can help with that.”
Everyone at Bradford (Park Avenue) welcomes Tom back to the club and we look forward to seeing him in action this season.
The club would also like to extend our thanks to the Bradford (Park Avenue) Development Fund for their support in making this signing possible.
Bradford (Park Avenue) return to Northern Premier League East Division action this evening as we welcome Grimsby Borough to the Horsfall Community Stadium.
Craig Elliott’s side come into the game on the back of Saturday’s FA Trophy victory over Redcar Athletic, where Avenue progressed 6–5 on penalties after a 1–1 draw in normal time. In the league, Avenue remain unbeaten and sit top of the table with 12 points from six matches, having won three and drawn three.
Grimsby Borough also arrive unbeaten in league competition, currently in sixth place with nine points from five games. With only three goals conceded so far, they have proven difficult to break down and will provide another tough test.
With both sides looking to extend their unbeaten starts, tonight’s fixture promises to be a competitive and closely-fought encounter under the lights.
Match Details
Bradford (Park Avenue) vs Grimsby Borough Tuesday 9 September 7:45pm Kick-Off Horsfall Community Stadium, BD6 2NG
2 Adults + up to 2 U18s (Available only on Fanbase)
Beer Festival Finale – £2 a pint. Tonight marks the closing night of the Development Fund Beer Festival, rounding off four days of football and community.
Live Coverage
For those unable to attend, we are pleased to confirm the match will be live streamed on YouTube completely free of charge, with commentary from Lewis Sale and Chris Bell.
Bradford (Park Avenue) will face Consett AFC in the Isuzu FA Trophy Second Qualifying Round at the Horsfall Community Stadium.
Following our progression in the competition, the scheduled league fixture against Lincoln United on Saturday 20 September has been postponed and will be rescheduled in due course.
Instead, Craig Elliott’s side will now welcome Northern Premier League East Division rivals Consett AFC to the Horsfall.
Match Details
Bradford (Park Avenue) vs Consett AFC 📅 Saturday 20 September ⏰ 3pm Kick-Off 📍 Horsfall Community Stadium, BD6 2NG
🎟️ Tickets will be available soon via Fanbase.
This will be the club’s second home tie in the competition, following our penalty shootout victory over Redcar Athletic in the First Qualifying Round. With both teams looking to progress further, it promises to be another competitive fixture in front of the Green Army.
We look forward to welcoming Consett, their staff and supporters to the Horsfall for what should be a great afternoon of cup football.
Bradford (Park Avenue) return to league action this week as we host Grimsby Borough under the lights at the Horsfall Community Stadium on Tuesday 9 September, 7:45pm kick-off.
Both sides remain unbeaten in the league, but head into the match off the back of contrasting FA Trophy weekends.
Avenue progressed in dramatic fashion on Saturday, drawing 1–1 with Redcar Athletic before holding their nerve to win 6–5 on penalties. Meanwhile, Grimsby Borough exited the competition after a 3–0 defeat away to Matlock Town.
Form Guide
Bradford (Park Avenue): Played 6 | Won 3 | Drawn 3 | Goals For 9 | Goals Against 3 | Points 12 (1st place)
Grimsby Borough: Played 5 | Won 2 | Drawn 3 | Goals For 6 | Goals Against 3 | Points 9 (6th place)
Craig Elliott’s men remain top of the Northern Premier League East Division and will be aiming to carry their unbeaten league run forward in front of the Green Army. Grimsby, who also boast an unbeaten league record, have proved hard to beat with just three goals conceded.
Match Details
Bradford (Park Avenue) vs Grimsby Borough 📅 Tuesday 9 September ⏰ Kick-Off: 7:45pm 📍 Horsfall Community Stadium, BD6 2NG
We’re pleased to confirm a special family ticket for Tuesday’s game:
Must include at least 1 adult
Option A: 1 Adult + 2 or 3 U18s
Option B: 2 Adults + up to 2 U18s
This deal offers the perfect opportunity to bring the family to the Horsfall and back the lads under the lights.
Beer Festival Finale
The fixture also coincides with the final day of the Avenue Development Fund Beer Festival, which has run across the weekend.
🍻 Supporters can enjoy a choice of 10 ales and 2 ciders, with the bar open from 6pm until 10pm on Tuesday evening.
Back the Lads
With Avenue sitting top of the table, Grimsby unbeaten in the league, and the Beer Festival drawing to a close, it promises to be a fantastic evening of football and community spirit at the Horsfall.
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.
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.”
Bradford (Park Avenue) return to cup action this weekend as Craig Elliott’s side host Redcar Athletic in the FA Trophy First Qualifying Round at the Horsfall Community Stadium.
The tie takes place on Saturday 6 September, 3pm kick-off, with Avenue looking to continue their strong early-season form in front of the Green Army.
Match Details
Bradford (Park Avenue) AFC vs Redcar Athletic 📅 Saturday 6 September ⏰ 3pm Kick-Off 📍 Horsfall Community Stadium, BD6 2NG
🎟️ Admission Prices – Note for supporters that Season Tickets are not eligible for this match as it is the FA Trophy.
Adding to the weekend atmosphere, the BPA Development Fund are hosting their Beer Festival alongside the game at the Horsfall.
Friday 5 September: 6:30pm – 11pm
Saturday 6 September: 12pm – 10pm
Sunday 7 September: 12pm – 10pm
Tuesday 9 September: 6pm – 10pm
Supporters can enjoy a wide range of drinks and entertainment across the four days, making it a true community weekend.
More Action at the Horsfall
The football isn’t the only action taking place on Saturday. Following Avenue’s FA Trophy clash, West Bowling ARLFC will be in action at the Horsfall, taking on Waterhead Warriors in a 6pm kick-off.
It means supporters can enjoy a full day of sport, starting with Bradford (Park Avenue) in the afternoon, followed by rugby league in the evening – all set against the backdrop of the Beer Festival.
Craig Elliott’s side will be aiming to progress in a competition the club are eager to do well in, while fans can also enjoy everything the Beer Festival and wider community programme has to offer.
We look forward to welcoming both sets of supporters – and the Green Army – for what promises to be a fantastic occasion on and off the pitch.
