Bradford (Park Avenue) are delighted to have secured a brand new education partnership with Steven Gerrard Academy, set to launch in September 2023.
Aspiring footballers from Bradford and the surrounding areas are able to apply for one of the limited places available on a highly popular programme which enables young people to learn, train and play, both domestically and internationally.
A soft launch of the programme took place at Horsfall Stadium on Thursday 15 June where more than eighty young people and their parents heard from leaders of the Academy. As well as learning about the BTEC Level 3 sports qualifications that will be on offer, the audience were inspired by the journeys of Steven Gerrard Academy graduates, including EFL League 2 players Paul Mullin and Elliot Nevitt.
Speaking of this new partnership, Bradford Park Avenue Chairman Gareth Roberts said:
“Providing a quality experience for our students is of paramount importance to us. We have been impressed by the work that the Steven Gerrard Academy has done elsewhere and are looking forward to a positive partnership moving forward”.
Danny Harrison, Head of Education at Steven Gerrard Academy is a former professional footballer who has made over 600 senior appearances, including a 5-year spell at Rotherham United. After presenting to attendees from the Bradford community, he said:
‘’We are delighted to have agreed a new partnership with BPA. The club has top class facilities and a great team of people who work tirelessly to develop young people. The team at Steven Gerrard Academy will compliment the fantastic work of the club with an outstanding education offer, led by our experienced teachers. Alongside the community work experience organised by the club, we will deliver an array of enrichment experiences including visits to elite football environments, workshops with high-profile guest speakers, trips to Liverpool and Ailcante, as well as the chance to compete in the Dallas Cup, USA‘’.
Although there are just 50 places available for September 2023, Steven Gerrard Academy and Bradford Park Avenue plan to increase the number of places available in the coming years. Development plans are still in their infancy, but already talks are underway to introduce a female post-16 programme, as well as adding a football media offer.
Successful applicants will hit the ground running when pre-season starts in July. As well as competing in friendly fixtures against local opposition, the summer months will see Bradford Park Avenue students enjoy a pre-season trip to Liverpool. Later in the year, they will have access to some incredible opportunities, including a tour of Alicante in Spain, plus they can trial to be part of Steven Gerrard Academy’s Dallas Cup USA 2024 squad.
You are encouraged to follow @stevengerrard.academy on Instagram for more information.