(Image: John Rhodes)
BRADFORD (Park Avenue) are waving goodbye to their community director Mathew Everett.
He arrived at the club last January, with his focus being on helping carry out the club’s long-term vision of using the power of sport to create a lasting impact in the community.
Everett helped formally launch the Bradford (Park Avenue) Sports Foundation in May 2025.
He was behind the club’s pioneering Breaking Barriers programme, which is aimed at raising awareness about and trying to reduce knife crime, violence and anti-social behaviour among young people in Bradford.
Furthermore, Everett has just overseen the opening of a new multi-faith hub at Horsfall.
Paying tribute to Everett after his departure was confirmed, Avenue said: "The club and Bradford (Park Avenue) Sports Foundation would like to thank Mat Everett for everything he has done for both organisations.
“Connecting communities, delivering groundbreaking programmes and supporting staff and volunteers over the past couple of years, Mat has been an integral part of the team.
“Mat has been the driving force for making an impact in the communities we serve, including the successful rollout of ‘Breaking Barriers’, among more specific programmes that use the power of football to bring positive change.
“Mat leaves the club and Sports Foundation with our very best wishes and is always welcome back at the Horsfall Community Stadium.”
Avenue will be on the road this weekend, as they visit neighbours Guiseley at Nethermoor for a mouthwatering FA Cup third qualifying round tie.
Adding to the spice of this derby is the sheer amount of players who have played for both clubs.
Jameel Ible, Declan Lambton, Prince Ekpolo, Adam Haw, Connor Brown, Kareem Hassan-Smith, Luke Parkin and Adriano Moke are the eight Avenue players who used to turn out for Guiseley.
Meanwhile, former Avenue quartet Will Longbottom, Harrison Hopper, Lucas Odunston and Jack Hall all now ply their trade at Guiseley.
Avenue are back at home next Tuesday when they host Lincoln United in the NPL East Division, where club vice president and broadcasting legend John Helm will be holding a Q&A session ahead of kick-off.