Bradford Park Avenue have announced the signing of striker Luke Parkin ahead of the upcoming Northern Premier League campaign, with the former Leeds United youngster joining from Emley AFC.
Parkin, 29, began his career in the academy of Leeds, where he spent over a decade progressing through the ranks before featuring for the U21s. Since then, he has forged a respected reputation across the non-league pyramid with spells at Guiseley, Farsley Celtic, Silsden, Rylands, and most recently Emley.
12 goals for Emeley
During the 2024–25 season, Parkin made 44 appearances for Emley across all competitions, scoring 12 goals and playing a pivotal role in the club’s attacking output. His performances drew praise for their consistency and technical quality, making him a sought-after option this summer.
Avenue boss Craig Elliott was quick to highlight the striker’s qualities and the value he is expected to add.
“Luke is a very clever technical player who will bring assists and goals to our team. I thought last season he was superb for a strong Emley team. He has good experience at higher level and I am really happy he wanted to come to BPA,” Elliott said.
Parkin’s longest spell came with Farsley Celtic, where he became a key member of their forward line over four years. That experience at higher levels of non-league football is seen as vital for a Bradford (Park Avenue) side hoping to make a strong push in the 2025–26 season.
He now joins a squad undergoing quiet transformation at the Horsfall Community Stadium, as Elliott looks to assemble a balanced group with both youth and experience. Parkin’s arrival will provide a creative outlet as well as much-needed firepower to help build on recent foundations.
Writer’s View
This is a savvy piece of business by Bradford (Park Avenue). Luke Parkin has the kind of varied experience and technical ability that could prove invaluable at this level. His journey from Leeds United’s academy to Emley and now BPA demonstrates resilience and adaptability—two qualities crucial in non-league success.
With a manager like Craig Elliott who knows how to get the best out of attacking players, Parkin could thrive in a system that values his creativity and intelligence. If he hits the ground running, this could be one of the more underrated signings of the summer at this level.
