Barnsley FC Community Trust is set to expand its community impact over the next two seasons through funding from the Premier League Fans Fund, building on the success of the Together Red Fans Fund project.
Between 2023 and 2025, Together Red engaged 2,519 beneficiaries through headcount attendances, reaching 1,463 unique individuals across 271 community activations. The project used the power of football and the Barnsley FC badge to improve wellbeing, increase participation and create opportunities for people across Barnsley.
Building on this success, Barnsley FC Community Trust will work with Barnsley FC, the Barnsley FC Fans Board and local people to deliver four key flagship programmes across the 2026/27 and 2027/28 seasons. Each programme will be accessible to the wider community, alongside themed events and activities linked to Barnsley FC fixtures, creating further opportunities for people to participate, connect and feel part of the Barnsley FC community.
James Cooke, Head of Participation and Inclusion at Barnsley FC Community Trust, said:
“The impact of the Together Red Fans Fund over the last two years has been incredible, allowing us to engage with more than 1,400 individuals and create opportunities for people from all backgrounds to connect with Barnsley FC. We are delighted to receive support through the Premier League Fans Fund, which will enable us to expand this work even further through Inclusive Reds, Reminiscent Reds, Rainbow Reds and My Home Debut. These programmes will help ensure that everyone in our community feels welcomed, valued and able to experience the positive power of football.”
Phil Hall, Barnsley FC Fans Board Member, said:
“Securing funding from the Fans Fund is a major boost for the BFC Community Trust and will enable many inclusive programmes to take place over the next two seasons. Having been a volunteer with the Trust over the last ten years, I have experienced first-hand the difference that the various group activities and sessions make to the lives of local people, both in terms of physical and mental health. Many people have made new friends by taking part in these activities and sessions, and anything that can bring people in the local community closer together has to be a big positive. I am the representative on the Fans Advisory Board for diversity, inclusion and the community, and it’s good to be a part of some of the many and varied things that the Community Trust are doing for people of all ages and abilities in the Barnsley area. Barnsley has always been a community focussed club, and this new funding can only help to both continue and improve this. If you’re reading this, why not find out more about the Community Trust, and see how you can be a part of what we do for the people of Barnsley and the local area.”
Dale Sturrick, Rainbow Reds Representative, said:
“Rainbow Reds are delighted to be supporting the successful bid for the Fans Fund, which will create many positive opportunities for Barnsley FC, its supporters and the wider community over the next two seasons. Rainbow Reds will be working towards providing inclusive match day experiences, where the LGBTQ+ community can meet fellow supporters and feel safe at Oakwell without fear of discrimination or exclusion. The key part of the programme will also involve developing activities and events specifically for the LGBTQ+ community, with this bringing wider opportunities to bring the Barnsley FC family together and celebrate inclusion for lasting change.
We are excited about this opportunity that will enable Rainbow Reds to build on our partnership with the club and the Community Trust, so Oakwell is a place where our LGBTQ+ and ally fans feel truly included and valued.”
Inclusive Reds
The Inclusive Reds programme will focus on increasing opportunities for individuals with disabilities and additional needs to engage in physical activity and social opportunities. The programme aims to create welcoming environments where participants can develop confidence, make connections and enjoy the benefits of being part of the Barnsley FC family.
Reminiscent Reds
Reminiscent Reds will support older adults through activities that encourage social interaction, reminiscence and improved wellbeing. Using football memories and shared experiences as a platform, the programme will help reduce social isolation while creating meaningful opportunities for participants to connect with others.
Rainbow Reds
The Rainbow Reds programme will continue the Trust’s commitment to ensuring that football is for everyone. The initiative will create inclusive spaces for members of the LGBTQIA+ members that celebrate diversity and promote understanding, ensuring all members of the community feel valued, respected and welcome within the Barnsley FC community.
My Home Debut
The My Home Debut programme will provide opportunities for people who may not traditionally attend football matches to experience Oakwell for the first time. Through dedicated matchday experiences and community engagement activities, participants will be welcomed into the club environment and introduced to the excitement and sense of belonging that football can offer.
