The voices of thousands of Barnsley Supporters sum up our day at Oakwell, (the home of Barnsley Football Club) on Saturday. The whole ground resounding with the song ‘Oh Barnsley we love you’. LimbBo is a Barnsley based charity and often people are surprised when they find this out. We are proud of our town (or tarn) and the support that we have been given locally.
On Saturday 40 of our limb different children, their siblings and parents came together at Oakwell. The children who already knew one another ran off to play and catch up whilst some of our new members looked on in awe – that didn’t last! As usual by the end of the day they were one cohesive group – helped by the ‘uniform’ of LimbBo Football kit with their names on the back. Many of our children slept in them and even took them to school on Monday but we’ve been assured that they have now all been prized out of them to allow for washing.
The club were brilliant, the tour inspiring. There was a calm quiet walk around the vast empty stadium, a trip to the boardroom, the dressing room, lunch, football on the training pitch all leading up to the main event – the flag waving and the match itself.
By the time we returned after lunch to collect our flags the atmosphere had changed, full stands of Barnsley fans, singing, chanting, clapping. Announcements over the Tannoy, music, sunshine and a real anticipation of a good afternoon.
Big Tommy joined Toby Tyke for a walk around. Tommy D and Freddy were mascots and walked out with the players. Marie Tidball MP, one of our ambassadors and MP for Penistone and Stocksbridge came along to meet up with our children – we were impressed she wore Barnsley colours! Royston Explorers came to help with the bucket collection – another Barnsley link.
As the match progressed and a total of 7 goals were scored the noise level was incredible. Chips eaten, singing gained volume, the sun shone so the cold didn’t matter.
A tired but happy group of children at the end of the day. A great experience with support from Barnsley FC who have said they would be happy to work with us again. Proud of our children, our families and our town – #you reds and yes ‘Oh Barnsley we love you’
