Barrow AFC mascot Bluey joined teachers and club staff for a training day this week as part of the Barrow 125 community heritage project. The initiative aims to provide educational links to the club and the town for local schoolchildren.
Led by local historian and Bluebirds fan Steve Herbert, the workshop took teachers on a tour of significant sites. They visited the Strawberry Ground where the club's first match was played and Barrow Cemetery to explore the histories of local players and fans, linking to World War One remembrance. The group also saw where a new Heritage Trail, sponsored by the local Unite Union Branch, is planned.
Nicola Corlett, a teacher from Brisbane Park, said the experience "really 'brought learning to life' especially 'loooking around and visiting the different locations in the town'." She highlighted visits to Douglas Street in Vickerstown for links to club legend Brian Arrowsmith and the Walney connection to New York Cosmos player Keith Eddy.
The day included a session on the role of women's football at Holker Street, focusing on Vickers Munitions matches during the Second World War. This was supported by research from Cumbria Archives and the Bluebirds Trust's 'All Women, All Bluebirds' initiative. Teachers were also given a tour of the Holker Street ground to see community opportunities.
Briony Coglan, History Lead for St George's, called the training "interesting and informative, giving a different perspective to life in Barrow." She said it highlighted ways to promote pride and belonging in children. A modelled English lesson used Peter Drury's iconic commentary from Barrow's 2010 FA Trophy Final win at Wembley.
Steve Herbert thanked the partners who made the project possible. "I must thank the Town Council, the 1901 Club from the Bluebirds Trust and Unite for allowing us to get this far," he said. Herbert added that connecting football, history and local pride builds community understanding.
The Barrow 125 project is led by the Bluebirds Trust, Barrow AFC, its community arm, and the fanzine 'Give em Beans'. It has already featured an exhibition at the Dock Museum and a re-enactment of the club's original 1901 game. A children's writing workshop is scheduled for October 2nd at Holker Street.
This community work comes as the first team enjoys a strong run of form. Barrow sit 12th in the National League with 15 points from 11 games and are on a three-match winning streak, most recently beating Scunthorpe 3-0. They next face Wealdstone at home, and fans can check the full fixtures schedule. The club's deep roots, now being shared in classrooms, continue to run alongside its current campaign.
Read the full report at Barrow AFC
