Barrow to Remove Concrete Pitch Barriers at Holker Street
Barrow AFC has confirmed it will make changes to Holker Street to comply with new FA stadium safety rules. The updated requirements, which affect all clubs in the National League System and Women’s National League, follow an FA review of stadium safety and pitch perimeter walls.
Why it Matters for Barrow
The Football Association has now introduced revised criteria for the 2026-27 season that ban solid brick, breeze block or concrete barriers around pitches. A Barrow AFC spokesman said: "Following the recent changes to The FA’s Stadium Accreditation Criteria, Barrow AFC can confirm that the Club is in ongoing dialogue with The FA regarding the updated requirements at Holker Street.
What Comes Next?
The FA has said that any existing solid brick, breeze block or concrete barriers must be removed as soon as "reasonably practicable", or covered with suitable protection if they cannot be removed for structural reasons. Matches may continue to be played at affected grounds during this period; however, clubs should assess the safety of their pitch perimeter barriers on an ongoing basis, and where alterations to these structures have been recommended during this review, they should develop a plan to complete any such alterations within a reasonable timeframe.
Barrow's Current Form
Barrow AFC is currently 22nd in the National League, with 0 points from 2 games, and a recent form of LL. The team has scored 1 goal and conceded 4, resulting in a -3 goal difference. Their next fixture is against Scunthorpe on 16th February 2027.
The FA will support clubs through the transition, and funding for the changes will be provided by the FA and Premier League, distributed via the Premier League Stadium Fund. Barrow AFC will continue to follow the guidance and procedures provided by The FA, and any required works will be identified and completed in accordance with the advised timescales.
