Back of the net: Council support helps Barton Junior Football Club bag their training goal

From first touches to cup-winning performances, young footballers in Barton are being given more chances to train, develop and thrive thanks to an £8,937 community grant from North Lincolnshire Council.

The funding is helping Barton Junior Football Club secure continued access to high-quality local training facilities at Baysgarth School’s Sports Village, supporting regular sessions for young players from across the area.

For boys and girls aged four to 17, those sessions are about more than football, helping them stay active, build confidence, make friends, and develop the discipline, teamwork, and resilience that sport can inspire.

The support comes at an exciting time for the club, with more young players getting involved and teams continuing to develop across all age groups.

One recent highlight saw the club’s under-12 girls become the first team from Barton Junior Football Club to win the Lincolnshire County Cup, a fantastic achievement for the club and its players.

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire council, said: “This is exactly what community grants are about, backing local people who are opening doors, creating opportunities, and helping young people achieve their potential.

“Barton Junior Football Club is giving children and young people a positive place to train, compete and belong, while helping them develop confidence, discipline, and a sense of pride in being part of their club.

“By supporting grassroots clubs like this, we are investing in the next generation and helping young people enjoy sport close to home, in facilities that give them the space to keep improving.”

The £8,937 grant is helping cover hire costs for Baysgarth School’s Sports Village, including 3G pitch hire between April and September 2026.

It means the club can continue delivering regular weekly sessions, supporting young players’ physical health, mental wellbeing, and personal development.

Cllr Christine Patterson, cabinet member for healthy communities, said: “Regular physical activity plays a vital role in helping children and young people build healthy habits for life.

“This funding is helping Barton Junior Football Club continue its important work, giving more young players the chance to train regularly, stay active and develop in a supportive local environment.

“Grassroots clubs play an important role in supporting healthy lifestyles and creating opportunities for young people to take part in sport close to home.”

Based at Pasture Road in Barton-upon-Humber, Barton Junior Football Club provides football opportunities for boys and girls across the local area.

Vaughan Foster, from Barton Junior Football Club, said: “The grant received enables the club to continue supporting all the children, which benefits them through physical training, mental wellbeing, and team building.

“Without the grant we would probably have to cut back on weekly sessions. We are most appreciative of the grant.”

Anyone interested in joining Barton Junior Football Club can contact Vaughan Foster by emailing vaughan.foster15@gmail.com or calling 01652 635611.

The funding is part of the council’s community grants programme, which supports grassroots groups, clubs and organisations to deliver projects and activities that make a real difference in their communities.

Grants are available for local groups and organisations, with support available for a range of projects, including venue hire, equipment and activities that help communities thrive.

To find out more about community grants and how to apply, visit our community funding and grants page.