Bradford (Park Avenue) welcome a Bradford City XI to the Horsfall Stadium on Tuesday 29th July (7:00pm KO) for the latest edition of the Tom Banks Memorial Trophy – a fixture that honours one of the club’s most dedicated supporters.
The match, which serves as Avenue’s final pre-season outing ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, will see the winner lift a trophy that holds great sentimental value within the club’s history.
Who Was Tom Banks?
Tom Banks was a lifelong Bradford (Park Avenue) supporter, following the club passionately for 54 years up to their demise in 1974. A committed fan and tireless fundraiser, Tom remained a key figure around the club during its most difficult periods and played a role in supporting Avenue’s eventual reformation.
In the mid-1990s, Tom’s son Roger — himself a long-standing Avenue supporter — and Tom’s brother proposed the idea of a memorial trophy in his name. Over 30 years later, the Tom Banks Memorial Trophy continues to be contested in his memory, providing a meaningful connection between the club’s past and present.
A Final Test Before the Season Begins
Tuesday’s clash will give supporters a final opportunity to see Craig Elliott’s squad in action before the new season begins on Saturday 2nd August, when Avenue host Mossley in the Emirates FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round.
Avenue come into the game following a strong 2-1 win over Guiseley on Saturday, with goals from Charlie Winfield and Prince Ekpolo securing the victory in a competitive encounter at the Horsfall.
Manager Craig Elliott was full of praise for his side, saying:
“Really good friendly again – good tempo, felt like a proper league game. Guiseley have got some fantastic players, so to win tonight, I’m really happy and just happy with what we got out of the game.”
Elliott is hopeful of building on that performance in Tuesday’s derby fixture, before shifting full focus to the competitive campaign.
“I’ve just said to the players – lots of positives. We’re in a good place. Now it’s just about getting everyone back fit and ready, and doing a bit more in training before we start the real stuff.”
🎟 Match Details:
Bradford (Park Avenue) AFC vs Bradford City XI
🏆 Tom Banks Memorial Trophy
📅 Tuesday 29th July
🕖 7:00pm Kick-Off
📍 Horsfall Stadium, BD6 2NG
💷 £5 Adults/Concessions | £1 U18s
🎫 Buy online in advance and scan straight through the gate:
👉 Click here for tickets
Pay on the gate also available.
Join us for a special night as we remember a club legend and gear up for the season ahead.