ALEX FRANCIS SIGNS SEASON LONG LOAN WITH AVENUE!

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We can today confirm the loan signing of Centre-Back Alex Francis, who joins us from Radcliffe FC on a deal that will see him at the Horsfall until the end of the 24/25 season.

Alex joins with experience at Radcliffe and Irlam. After joining Radcliffe in January last season, he continued to play for Irlam on loan, where across all competitions he has made atleast 57 appearances and kept 9 clean sheets.

He made one appearance for Radcliffe last season, in their final game of the season vs Gainsborough Trinity, and did enough to earn himself a MOTM award for his performance.

Welcome to the Club Alex!

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VACANCY – HEAD OF GIRLS FOOTBALL

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We are looking for a passionate, enthusiastic and dedicated person to lead our brand new girls junior section at Bradford (Park Avenue). We are excited about the future for girls football at BPA and want to build strong and sound foundations to see girls football thrive at the Horsfall Community Stadium. 

Personal specification;

– Enthusiastic and passionate about the development of girls football 

– Ambitious individual who will go above and beyond to deliver success 

– Professional and friendly in nature 

– Good communication skills and ability to build relationships with key stakeholders 

– FA Level 1 or above

– DBS checked 

– FA 1st aid 

– FA safeguarding 

To apply please send in your CV to our Sporting Director thomas.mcstravick@bpafc.com 

Closing date for applications is 5pm Friday 12th July 2024. 

TONIGHT AT THE HORSFALL – ENGLAND VS SLOVENIA & Q&A WITH DANNY WHITAKER AND THOMAS MCSTRAVICK DOORS OPEN 6:45PM

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The game kicks off at 8pm, with a live Q&A from Danny Whitaker and Thomas McStravick taking place at 6:45pm.

We will also have our pop-up Club Shop open again until 8pm in the clubhouse if anyone would like to purchase or pick up their season tickets or new shirts.

Any attendees will also be able to enter into a raffle for a signed shirt, along with some live music before the game & at half time.

Don’t miss it #BRADFORD! See you at the Horsfall!

#Bradford #BPA #BFD #BradfordParkAve #Football #GreenArmy

Avenue Squad Updates and Information

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Bradford (Park Avenue) are delighted to release some more information on our 2024/25 First Team squad. The new season brings fresh faces and returning talent, all ready to make an impact at Horsfall Stadium.

Craig Ellison

Craig Ellison, who started his career at Crewe Alexandra, brings a wealth of experience from the National League North, having played for Vauxhall Motors, Stalybridge Celtic, and North Ferriby. He has also been on the books at FC Halifax Town, Hyde United, Curzon Ashton, Colwyn Bay, and Witton Albion, as well as playing abroad for CFZ Brasilia and having a trial at Fluminense. Across the pond, he made appearances for Miami Dade. Craig made his mark with Avenue last season in the final four matches and has agreed to stay until the end of the 2024/25 season.

Ed Hall

Ed Hall returns to Avenue, where fans might remember him from his stint in 2016. Since then, Ed has gained experience with Farsley Celtic, Stocksbridge Park Steels, Ossett United, and Sheffield FC. Ed is thrilled to rejoin Avenue, stating, “I’m absolutely delighted to be joining BPA. After speaking with Danny and Tom about the club’s vision and plans, I knew I couldn’t turn down the opportunity. Having played for the club 6/7 years ago, I’ve always kept an eye on the results and it’s been sad to see how things have turned out over recent seasons. I’m hoping this season I’ll be able to play my part and kickstart getting this great club back where it belongs!”

Jak Whiting

Jak Whiting, former captain of DRFC U18s, made his debut in the EFL Trophy against Newcastle United U21s in the 2022/23 season. Last season, Jak was a stalwart for the Green Army, making 33 appearances.

Kareem Hassan-Smith

Energetic full-back Kareem Hassan-Smith joins us after a successful season with Albion Sports. Previously with Huddersfield Town and Barnsley, Kareem also had spells at Guiseley AFC and Eccleshill United. Excited about the move, Kareem stated, “I’m extremely excited to be joining BPA. The stature of the club and the project that’s being built is very impressive.” Manager Danny Whitaker is equally pleased, “It’s fantastic to get Kareem on board. He’s got loads of energy and is aggressive in his defending. He’s still young, but we’re confident the BPA environment will make him an even better player.”

Harry Colville

Harry Colville, who made 36 appearances last season, returns to Avenue. With experience in the U.S. at the University of West Alabama, Harry is set to be an integral part of the squad. Coach Danny Whitaker said, “Fantastic to re-sign Harry who’s got all the tools to progress as a player. I’m very confident he’ll become an integral part of the squad for the upcoming season.”

Joe Crosby

Joe Crosby joins from Tadcaster Albion, where he scored 8 goals in 26 appearances. Having played for Silsden and Harrogate Railway, Joe brings a proven track record. Joe commented, “Delighted to have signed for BPA. I’m looking forward to getting started for the new season to continue to challenge myself and push for promotion with the team.”

Connor Shanks

Connor Shanks, who played for Avenue on loan from Spennymoor Town last season, returns to the Green & White. With a background at Huddersfield Town and Bradford City’s Academy, Connor adds depth to the midfield. Coach Whitaker praised him, “Another superb signing, he’ll add another dimension to our midfield with his energetic runs and clever play.”

Connor Dimaio

Former Sheffield United, Chesterfield, and Stockport County midfielder Connor Dimaio joins us from Matlock Town. With over 40 League One appearances and experience with the Republic of Ireland International team, Connor is a significant addition. “I can’t put into words how privileged I feel to be signing for BPA. The gaffer and sporting director’s aspirations and achievements inspired me.”

Oli Norman

Oli Norman, previously at Bradford City and top goalscorer for Tadcaster Albion last season with 25 goals, joins Avenue. Coach Whitaker expressed his excitement, “Brilliant to get Oli signed. He’s got lots of hunger to progress and the quality he’ll add is very important.”

Kelan Swales

Leeds-based Kelan Swales, who played for Alfreton Town and Ossett United, also studied and played in America at Loyola University Maryland. Welcome, Kelan!

Myles La Bastide

Academy graduate Myles La Bastide, who scored 5 goals in 22 appearances, returns after a loan spell at Pontefract Collieries. We look forward to his contributions this season.

James Hanson

James Hanson, a well-known figure at Bradford City with over 300 appearances and 91 goals, joins Avenue. With a 17-year career spanning Eccleshill, Guiseley, Sheffield United, Bury, AFC Wimbledon, Grimsby Town, Farsley Celtic, Boston United, and Worksop Town, James brings a wealth of experience and will be vital in our push for a strong finish in the Northern Premier League East Division.

Paddy Sykes

Paddy Sykes, a known goalscorer in Bradford, joins Avenue after making 134 appearances and scoring 67 goals for Campion. With extensive experience at Littletown, Howden Clough, Harrogate Railway, and Emley, Paddy is a key addition to our attacking lineup. Sporting Director Thomas McStravick commented, “We are delighted to get Paddy on board. We have had eyes on him since we got our scouting team together and he has been a key target for us. I have watched him and so has Danny. We like what we see and look forward to seeing him in the green and white.” Paddy added, “Delighted to have signed for Bradford Park Avenue for the 24/25 season. Having spoken with the manager and hearing about the project they have planned, the opportunity to join the club was too good to turn down. I’m hoping to contribute to getting the club back to where it belongs.”

Stay tuned as we will be releasing more exciting signings soon! In the meantime, buy your season ticket or replica shirt today to support the Club! 

Haven’t got your season ticket yet? Click here to purchase today!

Purchase your HOME shirt here! 

Purchase your AWAY shirt here! 

BRADFORD (PARK AVENUE) VS BRADFORD CITY XI TICKETS NOW ON SALE!

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We are delighted to announce that tickets for our upcoming pre-season friendly vs a Bradford City XI are now available on our website! Click here to purchase now!

  • Adults: £10
  • Concessions (65+, U18s, students with ID): £5
  • U12s: FREE!
  • Hospitality (includes match ticket): £20

Please note that tickets for this event are all physical and can be purchased on our website. Make sure to secure your tickets early!

For those who have already purchased tickets to the game, you will receive your tickets either in the mail, or by collecting at the Horsfall Community Stadium. We will make a further announcement when tickets are ready to be posted out or collected.

2024/25 SHIRTS NOW ON SALE! 

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YouTube player

Following our kit launch this evening, we are happy to announce that our 2024/25 EV2 Home and Away shirts are now available to purchase online on our website. 

Please note that all shirts are currently on back order, please expect up to six weeks for your order to arrive. We apologise for any inconvenience caused by this.

Priced at just £45 Adults and £40 Juniors

Purchase your HOME shirt here! 

Purchase your AWAY shirt here!

20TH JUNE – ENGLAND V DENMARK LIVE & AVENUE 2024/25 @EV2Sportswear KIT LAUNCH!

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Our upcoming live screening of England vs Denmark followed by our 2024/25 kit launch is now FREE ENTRY TO ALL!

Also taking place is;

– Staff / Player Q&A

– Special Guests

– Live Music

– Face Painting

– Win a signed & framed 2024/25 Home Shirt!

– Purchase your 24/25 Kits!

For all enquiries contact secretary@bpafc.com

#UTA #BPAFC #Bradford #KitLaunch #BPA

PRE-SEASON 24/25 – ADMISSION & TICKET DETAILS

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Bradford (Park Avenue) are excited to announce the admission details for our upcoming pre-season friendlies! 

Farsley Celtic Friendly – Saturday, 3rd August, KO 3:00pm

Admission prices are as follows:

  • Adults: £8
  • Concessions (65+, U18s, students with ID): £5
  • U12s: FREE
  • Hospitality (includes match ticket): £20

In addition, we are offering Hospitality packages which include your match admission. Hospitality tickets are available exclusively online on our website. Click here to purchase now!

Bradford City XI Friendly – Tuesday, 23rd July, KO 7:45pm

We also have important details for our match against Bradford City XI:

  • Adults: £10
  • Concessions (65+, U18s, students with ID): £5
  • U12s: FREE!
  • Hospitality (includes match ticket): £20

Please note that tickets for this event are all physical and can be purchased on our website. Make sure to secure your tickets early!

For those who have already purchased tickets to the game, you will receive your tickets either in the mail, or by collecting at the Horsfall Community Stadium. We will make a further announcement when tickets are ready to be posted out or collected.

Free Admission Matches

We are pleased to announce that admission will be completely FREE for the following pre-season friendlies at Horsfall Community Stadium:

  • Eccleshill United: Saturday, 13th July, KO 3:00pm
  • Stalybridge Celtic: Tuesday, 30th July, KO 7:45pm

Full Pre-Season Schedule

Here’s our full pre-season fixture list. For away fixtures, we will make announcements when admission details are made available:

ED HALL ADDED TO AVENUE ROSTER!

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We are delighted to announce the signing of Goalkeeper Ed Hall, who joins the Club on a deal until the end of the 24/25 season! 

Ed Hall is already known to some fans at the Horsfall, playing for (Park Avenue) in 2016 before joining Farsley Celtic in 2018. 

He has more recent experience with Stocksbridge Park Steels, Ossett United, Farsley Celtic, and Sheffield FC. Prior to joining Avenue in 2016, Hall was also on the books at Brighouse Town. 

Ed had this to say on the signing; 

“I’m absolutely delighted to be joining BPA. As soon as I’d spoken to Danny and they’d told me about the vision & the plans for the next couple of seasons, and then spoken to Tom about the work being done behind the scenes at the club, I knew I couldn’t turn down the opportunity to re-join.

“Having played for the club 6/7 years ago and loved my time here, I’ve always kept and eye on the results and it’s been sad to see how things have turned out over recent seasons. 

“But, I’m hoping this season I’ll be able to play my part and kickstart getting this great club back where it belongs!”

Haven’t got your season ticket yet? Click here to purchase today!

https://bpafc.com/product-category/season-tickets

RIP Richard Leake

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It is with much sadness to report the death of Richard Leake. Richard had written a book called ‘A Breed Apart’ about Donald Bell VC and fellow Yorkshire Regiment Officer, Captain Archie White VC, which could be purchased through our Club Shop. Donald Bell was one of Bradford’s (Park Avenue) most illustrious players who played for Park Avenue between 1912 and 1914. 

At the outbreak of WW1 he asked for permission to leave Park Avenue and enlist, which he did. He joined the Green Howards, the Yorkshire Regiment and went into training as a private. He quickly progressed to become a Lance Corporal until, on June 18 1915, he was given a commission in the 9th Yorkshires (Green Howards) and traveled to France to join his Regiment.

On the 5th July 1916 he won the army’s ultimate award, the Victoria Cross (VC), for attacking, and taking, a German position at Horse Shoe Trench on the Western Front. His death came just 5 days later on the 10th July when, under similar conditions, he again tried to attack and take an enemy position, but unfortunately was killed in the attempt.

These actions made Donald Bell the only Professional Footballer ever to win the VC.

Once only a wooden cross existed to mark the place, known as Bell’s Redoubt, where Donald Bell was killed in action. It was Richard Leake’s idea in 1996 to create a fitting memorial for Donald and on his design it was unveiled in September 2000 by General The Lord Dannatt, the then Chief of the General Staff and Colonel of the Green Howards, in a ceremony at Bell’s Redoubt. The memorial was extensively refurbished in 2014 under Richard Leake’s design where the brass plaque of the 2000 design was replaced by one made from granite. In December 2016 at a home game against Brackley Town, Richard Leake and David Nicholson presented Bradford (Park Avenue) with the original brass plague.

Richard Leake, David Nicholson and Major Roger Chapman, affectionally known as the Three Musketeers, were instrumental in involving Bradford (Park Avenue) in the various ceremonies held at Bell’s Redoubt and the most recent one was held in September 2016 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of The Battle of the Somme and to remember members of the Yorkshire Regiment (The Green Howards) who lost their lives in the battle. The focal point of that weekend was the service held at Bell’s Redoubt to commemorate the life of Donald Bell and included a football match between Albert Sports FC and a team comprising of players from Bradford (Park Avenue) and The Yorkshire Regiment on the Saturday afternoon.

Finally, to recognize Richard’s vision for the Contalmaison project a plague will be placed on the Donald Bell memorial at Bell’s Redoubt and will be fixed at the site by the Leake family in August this year.

Rest in peace Richard

Then Lieutenant Leake, far left in glasses, at Annual Camp in 1959.