[citation needed] In 1907, what is known as "The Great Betrayal" occurred when a narrow majority of members decided to abandon the Northern Union game (later known as rugby league) in favour of association football, still based at the Park Avenue ground.

[citation needed] Bradford FC began playing association football in 1895, alternating home Saturdays at Park Avenue with the Northern Union.

The club shared the West Yorkshire League championship with Hunslet in 1895–96, also winning the Leeds Workpeople's Hospital Cup.

[citation needed] The success of cross-town neighbours Manningham after switching to association football, (where it was renamed Bradford City A.F.C.

), prompted the Northern Union club to abandon rugby in 1907 and apply to join the Football League.

The club was promoted to the First Division in 1914 after finishing second, and achieved its highest-ever league position (ninth) at the end of the 1914–15 season.

The club joined the Northern Premier League, selling Park Avenue in 1973 and sharing facilities with Bradford City.

[citation needed] Although the stands and other buildings at Park Avenue were demolished in 1980, the playing field and terraces remained.

The stadium was renovated for amateur football during the mid-1980s, and the Sunday League club played a full season there in 1987–88.

The club moved to the North West Counties League from 1990 to 1991, playing matches at rugby-league grounds such as McLaren Field and Mount Pleasant, Batley.

[citation needed] In February 2008, chief executive Bob Blackburn unveiled plans for a 20,000-seat stadium at Phoenix Park in Thornbury, within the Leeds metropolitan district, but the site had to be sold before this was realised.

[3] In July 2008 Blackburn predicted on a supporters' forum that the club would reach the Football League within four years.

[citation needed] Red, amber and black has occasionally returned in away strips, notably the club's 2007 centenary shirt (which featured the three colours as hoops).

[9] For the 2023/24 season, Bradford (Park Avenue) joined up with EV2 Sportswear for their new kit, adopting a custom chevron design in White & Green (Home) and Red, Amber and Black (Away).

However the club was historically always referred to simply as Bradford in fixture lists, classified results and the national press.

[citation needed] Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply.