The Barrow AFC Community Initiative
The Barrow AFC Community Initiative is an exciting and innovative project which uses the popularity of football to help regenerate the local area. The initiative has three main aims as shown below;
1 To increase community use of the facilities at the football club
Football clubs have historically only been used on Saturdays as a venue for football matches, but many clubs have realised their location at the heart of the community, their extensive range of facilities and their close relationships with the community mean that people will often attend activities at a football club which they might not otherwise attend.
Barrow AFC has a range of facilities that are available for community use including;
Fully refurbished study support centre with 15 networked computers and printers, interactive whiteboard and training room. 2 Community training/learning rooms used for training
courses, conferences and meetings. Five-a-side Football area used to provide coaching for children during school, afterschool hours and during school holidays. Function room with
room for 250 people for conferences, tea dances etc.
Full size football pitch and stadium which can be used for local tournaments, gala's or even concerts!
2 To provide training, learning and placement opportunities
Schools and colleges can often be intimidating places for people who have not had positive experiences of education. Football clubs are not only less intimidating but can often encourage reluctant learners to become involved because of their interest in football i.e. Dads and lads. Barrow AFC has a range of facilities which can be used for learning to enable people to gain qualifications, skills, confidence and new friends. Finding employment can sometimes be difficult particularly if an individual has no experience or has been unable to work due to illness or incapacity.
The Barrow AFC Community Initiative aims to provide individuals with a chance to learn new skills in a safe and inspiring environment. A number of opportunities are available including providing experience in football coaching, reception and administration skills, retail skills, pitch and grounds maintenance and commercial management.
3 To provide physical activities and coaching for children and young people living in the local area
Barrow AFC recognise the importance of providing opportunities for children and young people to take part in physical activities which can help to improve both physical and mental wellbeing.
Despite a range of opportunities available some children and young people find it difficult to access activities due to a number of barriers including price, location, ability or even cultural barriers.
The Community Initiative has the aim of removing those barriers to ensure that any child or young person who wishes to take part can do so in a safe and inspiring environment.
