Barnsley FC Community Trust’s Premier League Kicks programme is a shining example of how the power of football can be harnessed to build a safer and healthier Barnsley.
The initiative provides a range of activities for young people aged eight to 18, helping steer them away from antisocial behaviour while offering them a sense of belonging, purpose and hope.
The programme is built on strong partnerships with South Yorkshire Police, South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue, and the Youth Justice Service.
This ensures that our young people are supported at every level, with a focus on community safety and personal development.
It’s about more than just sport – it’s about creating opportunities for young people to realise their full potential.
Each year, Barnsley FC Community Trust engages with over 600 young people across our borough. The benefits are clear: increased opportunities in football and other sports, enhanced physical and mental wellbeing, and crucially, a growing culture of volunteering, social action, and positive role models.
These young people are being guided into education, training, and employment, helping to build a brighter future for themselves and our town.
But the work of the community trust doesn’t stop there. From supporting health and wellbeing initiatives to tackling social isolation and providing educational programmes, the trust plays an important role in improving the quality of life for people in our town.
Their projects span all age groups and backgrounds, promoting inclusion, diversity, and equality. Whether through their work in schools, helping to increase employment prospects, or supporting vulnerable members of our community and keeping them active, the trust’s influence reaches every corner of our borough.
In addition to their Premier League Kicks programme, the trust is actively involved in delivering a variety of other initiatives, including mental health support, anti-bullying campaigns, and fostering a sense of community cohesion.
Their walking football sessions for older residents and targeted support for people with disabilities illustrate just how broad and inclusive their work is. The trust also provides pathways for young people interested in pursuing careers in sports coaching, officiating, and community work, offering them not only skills but a sense of pride and achievement.
Barnsley FC’s Community Trust is making a tangible difference to our town. By engaging with young people, providing them with opportunities, and building positive relationships with key stakeholders, the Trust is playing a pivotal role in creating a safer, stronger, and more resilient Barnsley.
We should celebrate their achievements and support them as they continue their incredible work in our community and inspire the next generation.
