BRADFORD PARK AVENUE’S new home kit will commemorate footballing First World War hero Donald Simpson Bell.
The pacey full-back was the country’s first professional player to enlist in the Great War and thanks to his service in the trenches remains the only footballer ever to be awarded the Victoria Cross.
Bell, who played at the now National League North club from 1912-1914, was shot dead whilst serving. With the centenary of his death fast approaching, Avenue have agreed to help honour his memory.
Their new home shirt, pictured above, is a replica of the one Bell wore whilst playing for Avenue, with thin green and white hoops. It also carries a small tribute to Bell, as well as a photograph of him wearing the kit.
The tribute reads: “Donald Simpson Bell VC 1890-1916 awarded this nation’s highest military honour ‘for most conspicuous bravery at Horseshoe Trench at the Battle of the Somme 5th July 1916′”.
Avenue are also honouring Bell with a friendly against another of his former clubs, Newcastle United, at the Horsfall Stadium on Saturday, July 10.
Avenue chairman John Dean said: “The board felt it was fitting to dedicate our entire season to Donald Bell in this centenary year and the match against the Magpies is the first of many activities we’re planning.
“We hope that not only football fans but the whole community will turn out to honour him.”
