Barton Rovers FC opened their doors to 21 children and young people for a day of fun as part of the national children’s charity, KidsOut Champions for Change project supported by The Non-League Paper.

Clubs taking part in the project volunteer to provide wellbeing experiences for children living in their community so that the children can just have fun and forget their worries for a while.

Darren Whiley, owner of Barton Rovers, said, “We are delighted to be involved with the project. Seeing the smiles on the children’s faces was incredibly moving. The players were fully invested in making this an event that the children will never forget. I think we got as much joy out of the day as the children did.”

The KidsOut charity supports thousands of disadvantaged children across the UK, including those who have life-limiting disabilities or illnesses, children who are carers for parents and or siblings, and those living in women’s refuges after fleeing domestic abuse.

Mark Hillyard, from the KidsOut charity added, “Opportunities like this give young people the chance to forget their worries and simply enjoy being children. From learning about the club’s history to meeting the players and walking out as mascots, the children were treated to a stadium tour, games on the pitch, lunch, and the opportunity to walk out as official match mascots. We’re so grateful to Barton Rovers for their generosity and commitment to making a difference to the children we support, and the club has definitely gained extra fans.”

This collaboration between Barton Rovers and KidsOut shows the power of community partnerships to bring joy and hope to young lives.

If your club would like to take part in the project or to find out more about KidsOut, visit: https://www.kidsout.org.uk/

Photos caption: Children supported by the charity