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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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.

CALL FOR LOCAL BUSINESSES & VOLUNTEERS – WE NEED YOU BRADFORD!

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Bradford (Park Avenue) is calling on our amazing local community and businesses to join us in sprucing up the Horsfall Community Stadium! We need your help to ensure our stadium looks its best for the upcoming season.

Today, a few of our loyal fans took the initiative and volunteered their time to start the cleaning process, but we need more hands on deck! We are looking for volunteers who can provide both their time and cleaning equipment.

What We Need:

  • Pressure washers
  • Sponges
  • Buckets
  • Cleaning supplies
  • YOU!

If you or your business would like to donate supplies or your time to the clean-up effort, please get in touch today on Secretary@bpafc.com.

Unlock Exclusive Sponsorship Opportunities with Bradford (Park Avenue) AFC

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Bradford (Park Avenue) AFC is thrilled to offer a range of sponsorship opportunities designed to elevate your brand and connect with our passionate community of supporters. With the growing popularity of Non-League Football, there has never been a better time to partner with us and gain unparalleled visibility for your business.

Pitchside Boards – £300 ex VAT, £325 ex VAT for prime locations (LOW AVAILABILITY)
Email us on Secretary@bpafc.com to enquire!

Our pitchside advertising boards offer a straightforward and impactful way to increase your company’s visibility. Placed around the pitch in crowd-facing positions, these boards ensure your brand is seen by all attendees and featured prominently across our social media channels and local newspapers. Your board will remain in place from installation through to the end of the season, including all cup and play-off fixtures.

Dugout Sponsorship – £500 ex VAT
Email us on Secretary@bpafc.com to enquire!

Dugout sponsorship provides excellent exposure, with the manager and staff constantly photographed and filmed during games. Choose from several prominent branding positions on the dugouts:

  • Across the top
  • Across the back
  • Across the middle center

Programme Adverts – £150 Full Page, £75 1/3 Page ex VAT
Email us on Secretary@bpafc.com to enquire!

Advertise in our 40-page match programme, produced for every NPL, FA Cup, and FA Trophy home fixture. You can opt for a full page or a 1/3 page advert, with your artwork delivered exactly as you want it. We also offer bundling options with other advertising opportunities such as posters or digital formats.

Player & Staff Sponsorship – £150 ex VAT
Email us on Secretary@bpafc.com to enquire!

Sponsor your favorite player or member of the coaching staff, with options to sponsor their home, away, or both shirts. This package includes a feature on the official website and in the matchday programme, a tannoy announcement when your player scores or is substituted, and a professionally taken photograph of you with your chosen player/staff member.

Hospitality – £30pp or £200 for a Table of Eight, per game
Email us on Secretary@bpafc.com to enquire!

Enhance your match day experience with our hospitality packages, perfect for entertaining clients, staff, family, or friends. Our Match-Day Hospitality Package includes:

  • Two-course dining options
  • Pre-match interview with the First-Team Manager and a Club Rep
  • Match tickets
  • Drink on arrival
  • Team sheets on tables
  • Match day competitions
  • Man of the Match presentation

Matchday Sponsorship – £150 ex VAT
Email us on Secretary@bpafc.com to enquire!

Match day sponsorship combines quality hospitality with business promotion. This package includes:

  • An announcement of your sponsorship on the club website and social media
  • A memento of the day
  • Your company name read out over the tannoy system
  • Feature in the Official Matchday Programme
  • Opportunity for two representatives to appear in the pre-match line-up photograph
  • Two-course dining options
  • Your company name on the official team sheet
  • Up to two parking spaces (must be parked prior to 1:30pm)
  • Two free drinks tokens per person
  • Photograph with the Man of the Match

Match Ball Sponsorship – £100 ex VAT
Email us on Secretary@bpafc.com to enquire!

Raise your business profile or give someone a special day with our match ball sponsorship package, which includes:

  • Table for 4 in the Hospitality Lounge
  • Two-course dining options
  • Match tickets for 4 people
  • Signed ball presented by a BPA Player
  • Name/company logo on the team sheet
  • Tannoy announcement
  • Social media coverage
  • Opportunity for two representatives to appear in the pre-match line-up photograph

Clubhouse Sponsorship – £750 ex VAT
Email us on Secretary@bpafc.com to enquire!

Sponsor our popular Clubhouse, a key spot for pre and post-match drinks, and put your name on it. This package includes:

  • Joint press release to announce the partnership
  • Renaming of the Clubhouse to suit the sponsor
  • Interior and exterior signage (at sponsor’s cost)
  • Sponsor logo on all club literature
  • Social media promotion
  • Hospitality tickets for 4 people at every home fixture

Function Room Sponsorship – £750 ex VAT
Email us on Secretary@bpafc.com to enquire!

Sponsor our new Function Room, used as a Hospitality Lounge on match days and for various functions throughout the week. This package includes:

  • Joint press release to announce the partnership
  • Renaming of the Function Room to suit the sponsor
  • Interior and exterior signage (at sponsor’s cost)
  • Sponsor logo on all club literature
  • Social media promotion
  • Hospitality tickets for 4 people at every home fixture

Digital Scoreboard Sponsorship – POA
Email us on Secretary@bpafc.com to enquire!

Promote your business with our upcoming digital scoreboard. This sponsorship includes:

  • Joint press release to announce the partnership
  • Professionally taken photograph unveiling the scoreboard
  • Signage on the digital scoreboard
  • Sponsor logo on all club literature
  • Social media promotion
  • Hospitality tickets for 4 people at every home fixture

Main Stand Sponsorship – POA
Email us on Secretary@bpafc.com to enquire!

Show your support by sponsoring our Main Stand. This package includes:

  • Joint press release to announce the partnership
  • Name of the stand on match and season tickets
  • Stand signage (at sponsor’s cost)
  • Sponsor logo on all club literature
  • Social media promotion
  • Presence on club interview backdrop

Stadium Sponsorship – POA
Email us on Secretary@bpafc.com to enquire!

The most exclusive and visible way to support Bradford (Park Avenue) AFC is by sponsoring the Horsfall Community Stadium. This premier sponsorship includes:

  • Renaming of the stadium to suit the sponsor
  • Joint press release to announce the partnership
  • Stadium name on match and season tickets
  • Official stadium signage
  • Sponsor logo on all club literature
  • Social media promotion
  • Presence on club interview backdrop

Special Events Sponsorship – POA
Email us on Secretary@bpafc.com to enquire!

Sponsor one of our special events to connect with our community in unique and memorable ways. Events include:

  • AVEYFEST: An annual end-of-season festival featuring live music, food vendors, charity matches, and more.
  • BPAFC Golf Day: An annual golf day bringing together sponsors, fans, and ex-players.
  • Hall of Fame Inductions: Celebrating individuals who have provided outstanding service to the club.
  • Sportsman’s Dinners: Featuring special guests, live auctions, and entertainment.
  • Legends Day: A reunion of former players and supporters, including a beer festival and ex-players game.

For more information or to discuss custom sponsorship packages, contact us today. Partner with Bradford (Park Avenue) AFC and become a part of our vibrant community while enhancing your brand’s visibility and impact.