BRADFORD (Park Avenue) have delivered an update on how matters are progressing at Horsfall as we head into 2023.

Stadium manager and club secretary Calum Cullen is leading the way, with the club seeing an increasing in commercial revenues in 2022, as well as signing a long term deal with Bradford City and their Under-19s.

Almost 60 new companies have come on board with the National League North side over the last two years too.

In a statement on their club website, Avenue said: "Calum and his team have been hard at work all year long and it is testament to them that they have seen an increase in shop takings, and commercial revenues in 2022.

"They opened the ‘shack’, a second shop for matchdays, which has gone from strength to strength.

"Over the summer period, the team worked hard on getting new local companies into the club via pitchside boards and in the last two years, over 58 new companies have come ‘on board’ with Avenue.

"This is vital for the club for the income and the exposure.

"It’s great to see some very big companies now looking towards us as a viable advertising point and a club well worth backing. There’s more of this to come too."

Avenue's statement added: "In August, Calum accepted the role of stadium manager on top of his football company secretary role.

"His remit was to make sure the stadium company reached financial stability as soon as possible.

"Over five months he, with his team, have managed to edge the stadium company closer to reaching this first target through additional pitch and facilities usage and some reduced outgoings.

"They have managed to secure an additional long-term deal with neighbours, Bradford City, for their Under-19s to use the stadium, as well as City's ladies team.

"Bradford Boys Veterans have started to play their friendly games here and we also have had local football teams train here during the recent bad weather.

"We have plans to start a new six-a-side league this month, with a five-a-side league later in the year, and are in negotiations to attract more stadium and pitch usage with a well-known local team."

As for non-football activities, Avenue added: "On facilities bookings, we have started to see more family bookings, for things like baby showers, birthday parties and others.

"We have even approached funeral businesses as a venue for wakes given we are opposite the cemetery. We are also about to announce a ‘resident’ booking for the new function room.

"We have helped to organise the installation of the new floodlights, which has been a significant improvement to the stadium and which helps keep the electricity bill down a little.

"The football club and the stadium company under Calum’s management have made positive improvements and his team wish all our fans a great New Year."