Football
in Barrow upon Soar has its' origins in the late 19th century.
The population of the village at that time would have numbered
around 1000, compared with around 7000 today.
The
team, known as the Barrow Rising Stars were based at The Railway
Inn (now the Soar bridge), and played their football near the
Mill. Members of the Loughborough and District League, they were
obviously formidable opposition as their record shows they were
winners of Division 1 in 1901/2 and 1902/3 and also Division 2
champions in 1911/12. Cup success included the Bass Charity Cup,
Rolleston Cup, and the County Cup. In one particular season four
trophies came their way.
The
early years of the century saw the birth of the Old Boys (now
Barrow Town). This team also played down "Mill Lane",
and comprised mainly of boys from the village grammar school,
their record though did not compare with the stars.
Back
Row (left to right): S. LEWIN; G. JAMES; F. CLARK; A. WITHAM;
A. SHELTON; D. WILLS. Middle row (left to right): H. SUTTON; H.
LITHERLAND; E. PERKINS; A. GREASLY. Front row (left to right):
H. SQUIRES; B. NEAL; E. LITHERLAND; W. LOCKWOOD; J. LOVETT. Picture
kindly supplied by BTFC supporter Colin Medhurst.
Immediately
prior to the First World War another Barrow team, The Trinity
were gaining prominence. Also members of the Loughborough and
District League Division 1, they rivalled the stars as top team
from the village. Other members of the league at that time were
Quorn Havelock, Quorn Emanuel, and no less than four teams from
Sileby (Imps, Excelsior, Amateurs and Vics). A referee's match
fee in 1913 was 2/6d and football boots 6/- per pair (30p).
Trinity
FC had an illustrious spell from 1918 onwards and during an 18
year period picked up a league championship, the league cup, and
the Rolleston Cup. The Trinity's glories could not last and 1930
saw the emergence of 'The Gunners' and 'Barrow Athletic', The
Old Boys reappearing in 1932. The Old Boys were members of the
Leics. Mutual League and for a while were based at Cotes Road,
before moving to North Street and joining the Loughborough Alliance.
After
the Second World War, The Old Boys reformed in 1947 and following
a public meeting at The Working Men's Club, entered the Leicestershire
Senior League with immediate impact. They reached the semi-final
of The Senior Cup but were beaten by Whitwick Colliery. The competition
also included Leicester City Reserves.
In
1968/69 The Old Boys finished runners-up in Division 2 and were
promoted to what was then Division 1. Managed by much respected
local man Billy Williamson, they were also winners of The Loughborough
Charity Cup and The Sileby Cup, (later renamed The Billy Williamson
trophy in his honour). Soon after Barrow moved to their current
headquarters at Riverside Park under the new title of Barrow Town.
The
success of 68/69 was emulated by the team of 92/93 managed by
two more local favourites Arthur Chadburn and Colin Sykes. This
team gained promotion to the Premier Division as champions. The
94/95 season was a landmark in Barrow's history with a number
of records being broken. Highest ever placings for the 1st and
2nd teams. Ian Hunter's haul of 61 league and cup goals. 119 goals
scored, with an 18 game unbeaten run-in, culminating in being
pipped to the Premiership title by one point. The team again consisted
of the nucleus of the promotion winning side, under the same successful
management team.
In
recent years, the club has grown in stature and maintained their
Premier Division status. Three times winners of The Loughborough
Charity Cup, defeating Coalville 3-1 in 96/97, Ibstock 1-0 in
98/99 (the competition's centenary year), and under Richard Pitman
defeating Shepshed Dynamo on penalties in 2000/1 after the teams
were locked at 2-2 after extra time.
Riverside
Park has undergone several improvements in recent years, most
notably the addition of £40,000 floodlighting for both the
main pitch and training area. The recent amalgamation of all junior,
youth and senior teams, makes Barrow Town one of the largest football
organisations in the county, that now caters for soccer from under
eight to senior level.
