Talent Identification
Barnsley FC Community Programme works with approximately 25,000 children per year.
We are a fully inclusive provision for boys and girls of all abilities. Children are encouraged to participate in the sessions with the main aim to be healthy and have fun. Coaches working with this high number of youngsters from Barnsley and surrounding areas are ideally placed to identify potential talent. Barnsley FC boasts an excellent Academy system which relies on scouting local young talented footballers to develop them into the stars of tomorrow.
By working in partnership with Senior Academy Staff the Community Programme can be used as a vehicle to recruit potential talent and provide a structured pathway for children involved in the Community Programme into the Academy System.
Jake Ward, aged 10, is one youngster who after attending a Barnsley Community Programme holiday course at Dearne Valley College was recommended to the Barnsley FC Academy. After his initial trial period ended, Jake was signed to the Barnsley Academy Under 11's team.
Darryl Billington, Senior Sports Development Worker for Barnsley Community Programme and Academy Coach said "Barnsley Communirt Programme see a number of children via the Saturday Morning Club and Holiday Courses we run at Dearne Valley College. If we can guide talented players in the direction of our academy then this benefits both the club and local community".
Dave Hancock, Barnsley FC Academy Operations Manager, added "It is important that our scouting network continues to expand and develop at youth level. This new development between Barnsley Community Programme and the Academy will benefit talented players who live in Barnsley and the surrounding areas".