After a day at Oakwell that has seen much focus on our esteemed Academy setup, Barnsley Football Club would like to thank those involved in supporting it.
As sponsors of the Academy of Barnsley FC since 2014, the backing of The Investment Room has been crucial in the continuing development of our up-and-coming young footballers.
The long-term sponsorship has seen The Investment Room name and brand's logo on the shirts of the U23s along with extensive branding throughout and across the academy training complex, as well as them being involved in community development programmes.
Managing Director at The Investment Room, Lee Jones spoke of his pride in the continuing relationship of his business and beloved Barnsley Football Club.
He stated: "It is refreshing to see a number of our academy players being offered professional contracts especially in the current times we find ourselves living in amid the COVID-19 crisis. Furthermore, it brings me great pride and pleasure to know that The Investment Room's commitment to the academy has assisted in this transition with the sponsorship and partnership deal we have with the Club, allowing them to invest into the academy to further develop the amazing facilities available to both the players and staff.
“It would be amazing to see some of the homegrown talents progress further and break into the first team as we have seen on a number of occasions with previous players. I strongly believe investing at grass roots in any business sector is important and provides the foundation for success as per our company slogan “investing in the future”. It is positive to see Barnsley FC are practicing this, which is encouraging for all connected with the Club.”
Of course, over the length of this partnership, The Investment Room have extended their relationship with the Club in terms of sponsoring the East Stand and the first team shirts. But their financial backing of the Academy has remained and we thank them for their support over the last six years and look forward to its continuation.
In addition, we'd like to thank the Barnsley FC Supporters Trust who have - also since 2014 - helped with Academy funding through the running of their popular Redfearn's Bar matchday venue.
The Trust make donations from the money made on matchdays towards the Academy here at Oakwell, helping the future generation here to prosper at Barnsley Football Club.
Paul Hicks, of the Supporters Trust believes it's important that the link between the fans and the club remains, particularly during these testing times.
"In what has been a very difficult season, not least due to the global pandemic, Barnsley FC Supporters Trust are pleased to see Academy graduates continuing to successfully gain contracts with Barnsley Football Club.
"Through our Redfearn's Bar venture, we are proud to be able to channel money spent by fans to the Academy to help fund the further development of our young players.
"There is a particular sense of pride for Barnsley fans when we see our own young players thrive in the first team and as we have seen, some have gone on to gain international honours and generate significant transfers fees for the Club.
"By spending money with us over the past six years our members and customers have all played a part in this journey."
We are proud of our Academy system here at Oakwell, a vital component of our Club and one that now, more than ever, will be key in deciding the future and what it looks like for our community.
