Our Mission

Bradford (Park Avenue) Academy is a professional footballing academy based in Bradford.

We are passionate about providing high quality football training to children aged 6-18, with a focus on helping them reach their full potential and achieve their goals.

Our experienced coaches use a combination of on-field drills and classroom sessions to provide a unique and comprehensive learning experience. We believe in creating a safe and positive environment for all of our players, so they can develop their skills and reach their desired level of success.

full time staff

Thomas mcstravick

Sporting Director

Thomas McStravick is our Sporting Director, working primarily behind the scenes on player recruitment, sponsorship and more for both the First Team and Academy.

He has vast knowledge in the world of high performance sports coaching, with over 15 years of experience under his belt.

Thomas worked as a coach with Leeds United's Academy prior to joining the BPA Academy, and is also an Ex-Irish Premier League and Championship player.

Education:

Leeds Beckett University - Bachelor of Science in Sport Event Management

Belfast Metropolitan College - HND Sport & Leisure Management

Certifications:

UEFA A Licensed Coach

gary ratnik

Junior Academy & Performance Centre Lead

Gary Ratnik is our Junior's & Performance Centre Lead Coach, and has spent lots of time working with youngsters in schools in Bradford.

owen murphy

Academy Coach

Owen Murphy is one of our coaches at the BPA Academy.

He primarily works with the u19s teams, coaching groups 1, 2 and 3 and managing groups 2 and 3.

Owen also coaches with the Performance Centre boys and girls, and plays part-time Football with Albion Sports.

Education:

BTEC Level 3 in Sports (Extended Diploma)

Certifications:

UEFA C Licensed Coach

brad smith

Academy Medical & Performance Lead

Brad Smith is our Academy Medical & Performance Lead, working with the players on any injuries, fitness levels, and analysing data using the Fitogether trackers.

Brad has stood in on some u19s games as manager, coaches with the Performance Centre, and previously stood in as First Team physio in the 22/23 season.

Education:

Masters Degree in Sport and Exercise Therapy

Bachelor of Science in Sports and Exercise

Certifications:

Emergency First Aid in Football

andy cooper

Academy Technical Advisor

Andy Cooper is our Academy Technical Advisor, working primarily behind the scenes with Thomas McStravick on recruitment, scouting and tactics.

Andy is also FC Halifax Town's Assistant Manager, and recently won the FA Trophy at the legendary Wembley Stadium!

Education:

Hull College - Sports Science

Longford College - Diploma in Leadership in Sport

Certifications:

UEFA A Licensed Coach

craig nicholls

Academy Tutor & Coach

Craig Nicholls is our Academy Tutor & Coach, teaching and coaching within our Scholarship Programme.

john sanderson

Lead Academy Tutor & Coach

John Sanderson is our Lead Tutor for our scholars, and handles recruitment, lessons and some coaching within the programme.

part time staff

colm rafferty

Junior & Performance Centre Coach

Colm Rafferty is one of our coaches primarily working in our Primary School Provision, Performance Centre sessions & working alongside Gary Ratnik across our junior teams.

Colm won the English Schools FA Award for Young Volunteer of the year, in recognition for his efforts with Bradford Schools Football Association.

Education:

Association of Science - AS, Sport Coaching

dan francis

Junior Coach & First Team Player

Dan Francis plays for our First Team, alongside coaching at the BPA Performance Centre and within our juniors programme.

Dan has footballing experience with Bradford City, Rot Weiss Ahlen, KFC Uerdingen, Bovinghausen and with Sierra Leone's national team.

Sam Sutcliffe

Juniors Coach

Sam Sutcliffe came through the ranks at the BPA Academy, and now coaches part time within our juniors programme.