STAFF and students at the University of Bradford along with people across the district are being urged to show their support for Bradford (Park Avenue) AFC on the upcoming Non-League Football Day.

The annual celebration of clubs outside the Football League and Premier League recognises the contribution smaller clubs make to their communities and the importance of the grassroots game.

Players and chief executive Rob Stanley from Park Avenue visited the university recently to appeal to students and staff to head down to Horsfall Stadium on Saturday, October 13, to cheer on the team when they take on Kidderminster Harriers in the National League North.

Due to the international break, there will be no Premier League or EFL Championship fixtures that day, and Park Avenue are hoping this will give the number of punters through the turnstiles a boost.

Park Avenue have got off to a flying start this season, while Kidderminster have also started strongly as both teams have their sights set on promotion to the National League.

Rob Stanley, chief executive, said: “Non-League Day is a chance for people to come along and see what real football is like.

“Hopefully we will have around 800 people here cheering the team on, as Kidderminster look like one of the teams to beat this year.”

To further boost the side, the club’s owner, Bradfordian Gareth Roberts who now lives in Texas, will be jetting back to the UK for the big match.

Mark Garratt, director of external affairs at the University of Bradford, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for everyone to experience the excitement of a live football match.

“We have thousands of new and returning students on campus and it would be amazing to see them all there embracing the Team Bradford ethos.”

As well as promoting the lower leagues of English football, Non-League Day also sees clubs the length and breadth of the nation raise money to support Prostate Cancer UK. Last year saw clubs raise £15,000 for the charity.

Tickets for the game are priced at £12 for adults and £7 for students, but special offers are available. Attendees who present a valid season ticket at the turnstile - regardless of club or sport - will get in for just £5, and any student who attends the match can buy a Bradford Park Avenue season ticket for the discounted price of just £10.