Barrow AFC agree another year at Hopwood Hall College

Barrow A.F.C, training at Hopwood Hall College’s Middleton campus

National League team, Barrow A.F.C, have agreed a contract extension to hold their training base at Hopwood Hall College’s Middleton campus.

After finishing the season in a solid seventh position, the Cumbrian team are looking to build on their success and push for promotion to the EFL League Two next season.

With a wealth of footballing talent continuing to emerge from the Greater Manchester area, agreeing a new training base at the college’s public gym and sports fields will be key to the club’s youth recruitment policy.

After seeing league rivals Lincoln City FC’s heroics in the FA Cup quarter finals, non-league clubs are experiencing a fresh impetus for development.

Barrow’s Manager, Paul Cox, emphasised the importance of his club securing the new training base deal in the pursuit of progress, he said: “Having ourselves tied into a place like Hopwood Hall, with the gym and playing facilities they have, is a big boost for our club in terms of building for the future.

“There are a lot of big football clubs in this area and with that comes a lot of potential from eager young players, something that we really need to take advantage of. It should all provide an ideal base to build on.

“We’ve just had a strong season, but you can’t stand still in football and we need to look to the future and see how we can improve ourselves. We already have a great group of lads, so hopefully next season will bring further success.”