BIFC Christmas message

The committee of Barton Inclusive FC would like to wish all our players, volunteers and their families a very Merry Christmas. 

The year 2022 for our club has seen phenomenal growth and changed lives. A year filled with smiles, achievements of all size and so much fun and laughter.

Our Wildcats (for girls aged five to 11) has almost doubled in size, welcoming new players and their families into our football community. The Wildcats have a strong volunteer team who have created an inspiring place for girl’s to play football. As our Wildcats progress through our club, we have established a new team for girls aged 12-14 (SQUAD) to support our player pathway and players’ futures.

Our women’s walking football team are thriving, with matches scheduled for early 2023. The team has seen players who have re-engaged back into the game, players who have played for the first time and the impact has been much more than football. Friendships have been made and women have been provided with a safe and inspiring place to play the beautiful game, where age really is just a number. 

Furthermore, we have created a women’s inclusive team, with the aim of playing competitive football in 2023. A team that will provide opportunities for players with a disability or who experience long term mental health difficulties. 

In an historic year where our England Lionesses won the Euro’s and inspired a generation of women and girl’s, our club has been a leading example in our commitment to providing football for all. 

Barton Athletic FC and Inter Barton FC became Champions of their respective divisions in the South Yorkshire Ability Counts league, bringing home two titles to Barton-upon-Humber. Both teams have welcomed new players and continue to perform at the top of their leagues, supported by a truly remarkable volunteer team.

BIFC – Hull has seen tremendous growth, with our U16’s and Vikings playing competitive football. Their Rovers team is training each week, and have played a number of friendly events. The U12’s are training weekly too, ensuring there is a clear pathway for young players from U12’s to adult football. BIFC – Hull has an amazing volunteer team, all working together to provide players within Hull and East Riding with opportunities that enhance their lives.

We have also created a Teeny Tots team for players aged two to six, which is progressing exceptionally.

Our walking football group has seen new players and volunteers join their team, and are now playing regular football against opposing teams, with a fantastic social spirit.

In total, as we head into 2023, our club has 12 teams:

Teeny Tots, Wildcats, SQUAD, Barton Athletic FC, Inter Barton FC, BIFC – Hull U12’S, BIFC Hull – U16’s, BIFC Hull – Vikings, BIFC – Hull Rovers, walking football, women’s walking football and inclusive women’s football.

Two of our volunteers were shortlisted for an award with the HEY Smile Foundation. Maria Wilford in the Older Volunteer category and Jo Newby in the Sport category. Jo won her award and also went on to become the UK’s Kindest Hero.

Each day in December, we have shone a light on our inspiring volunteers who really are the grassroots heroes within their communities. Our volunteer team are the heart beat of our club.

For BIFC in 2023, our mission is to continue to provide a safe and inclusive place for everyone to enjoy football. Our future is exciting and we would like to extend our thanks to all the parents and carers that help us deliver the very best football provision we are capable of.

Thank you to our players who we are proud to support. You are the reason we enjoy what we do.

Thank you to our sponsors, who have shown an exceptional commitment to our club: Barton Town FC, Easy Buy Ltd, Barton Lions, Wren and Euronics Lindsey Relay.

Thank you to every player, parent, family member and volunteer who has helped to fundraise or donated to our club, every contribution is valued and appreciated equally.

Barton Inclusive FC is more than a football club, we are a reflection of the amazing people that are involved, who we celebrate for their individualities and uniqueness.

The committee would like to end our Christmas message by offering our full support now, and in the future to all our players, volunteers and their families.

We wish you a happy and healthy Christmas. Bring on 2023!

Much love,

Sophie, Kat, Lynn, Von, Blinks and Graham. x