Through the years
Club History
In summer 2007, with girls’ football already established at Horsfall, the logical next part of the Avenue family was the formation of the Bradford Park Avenue Ladies team.
Players transferred from Avenue’s successful under-16 side as well as other local teams but most of the playing squad (including current players Claire Hancock, Sarah Huby, Dani Williams and Laura Wolfenden) came from Farsley Celtic’s disbanded Open-age side that had finished 6th/7 in the West Riding League (Premier Division).
By December, they were mid-table in Division 2 after a 3-3 draw at home to Northowram, but won 12/20 games to finish the season in third position, thus attaining promotion at their first attempt!
In Division 1, Bradford had a fine start to the season, with a 6-3 opener at Brayton and a resounding 10-0 home victory over Castleford White Rose. However, in mid-season, after unexpectedly losing at Ossett Town and drawing 1-1 at Salts, Bradford were struggling for a top-two finish and could not match the then table-toppers Brayton, who had won their last match of the season 6-0. Bradford had a resounding 6-1 victory over Ossett Town in their last game of the season to finish third on goals scored and secure promotion to the County Premier Division.
For the 2009-10 season, “Avenue” appointed manager Andy Colleran. New players included Annie Roberts and a young Nicole Chamberlain. The season opened with a good 9-3 win away at Leeds Medics & Dentists, and we soon rose to the top of the league but later fell back in the table. Bradford ended their campaign with their tenth win of the season, a superb 3-1 victory over Silsden to finish in fifth place. There were outstanding performances throughout the squad, but there should be special mention of Chrisy Berry, Dani and Nic.
The 2011-12 season saw some exciting games, including a League Cup game against Harrogate Railway that went to extra time. Though they were unable to score against them, they played well against Leeds United in the County Cup.
The 2012-13 season was a tough one for everybody involved on and off the pitch. Nevertheless, along the way they had some very good performances.
Two that stand out both involved them playing two games on the same day in order to catch up. Against Brayton, we narrowly went down 3-2 and 3-1 with 11 players. The double-header at Harrogate was a particular highlight where they not just battled, moved and passed better than the league leaders; they out-played them in every position, which made the management very proud of every single one of them that day.
However, the best highlight of the season had to be the FA Cup run that paired Bradford with League rivals Brighouse in the First Qualifying Round, which Avenue won comfortably, then took them away to Steel City Wanderers (Sheffield) in the Second Round. Even though they lost on this occasion to a team two divisions above, they came off playing the better football and had an enjoyable day.
Our presentation and fund raising afternoon in 2013 was a big success, and we raised £200. We are now a Charter Standard Club, and featured in the Bradford Advertiser.
The 2013-14 season saw the first as a ”Charter Standard” club, but it started with a disappointing 2-2 draw at Ossett Town. The FA Cup saw us travel to Regional League strugglers Ossett Albion, where we had a close 3-2 defeat. An under-strength Bradford also went out in the County Cup to Guiseley. However there was a good run in the League Knockout Cup, before a narrow 1-0 loss at Harrogate. The only other points before the end of the year were gained in the 4-2 win at home to Pontefract S&S.
A revival in the New Year saw wins against Silsden, Brayton (twice) and Keighley Oaks (away).
Some new players joined the squad, Sophie Mitchell from the under-18s and defender Nat Bell from disbanded Northowram.
Two players exceeded the club record for most goals in a season - read about one of our newest players, Sophie Mitchell on the Telegraph & Argus web site and also featured in local free 'good news' paper THE BRADFORDIAN (now discontinued). Sophie's achievement was closely followed by the same feat by long-term player, Sarah Huby. Both players received a special award at the Presentation evening. And there's more... we exceeded the previous year's total with over £200 towards the team for the season, so thank you all for your support!
After a successful tournament at Horsfall, our 2014-15 pre-season programme commenced with a 3-2 win against Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough College, continued with a 10-1 win against our friends Republica Internationale and concluded on 7th September with a 4-1 win over new team Battyeford Belles.
'Primo'
Our old kitman, referree and indeed friend
Ten years ago after the last game of the men's season, had an accident, went to hospital
-He had a cervical operation on 10th May 2013, and was transferred to Sheffield Northern Hospital, Osborn Ward (General Spinal Injuries Unit) on 14th June 2013 and has now moved to a specialist home at the start of 2014.
He transferred to Headingley Court, Edlington, with limited movement in his arms and legs.
He returned to his flat above the shop, but unfortunately passed away this year on 2 June.
