Kirkburton Juniors FC has been selected by an external judging panel as the Sheffield and Hallamshire County FA Club of the Year 2024, as part of the England Football Grassroots Football Awards.

The 2-star England Football Accredited Club, founded in 1998, is the heartbeat of football in its local community and currently has over 550 children playing across 32 teams.

Through their close links with Kirkburton Middle School, the club has utilised a Football Foundation grant to build an all-weather pitch facility, changing rooms, kitchen and teaching block and install a drainage system for the school fields where some of the club’s teams play.

The club welcomes young players of all abilities and is breaking down barriers to ensure everyone can participate.

Chair Dave Jowett and the rest of the team behind the scenes are always striving to make the game more accessible and inclusive. 

They have developed their female pathway, started a Wildcats session and created new programmes to support disabled players.

The club’s Young Football Leaders Programme, which matches older players with disabled players to provide support, has been successful in removing barriers disabled people face when accessing football.

The club has also raised funds and awareness for local charities. 

They rallied to help the family of one of their youngest players, Alfie Fagan, while he was battling leukaemia.

Brave Alfie was given the all-clear in June and was given a guard of honour at Kirkburton Middle School last month by his teammates, parents, coaches and family to mark his recovery.

The event coincided with the third annual Parents Cup, which raises funds for the Children’s Heart Surgery Fund, and involves parents from the club taking part in a six-a-side tournament.

Club secretary, treasurer and coach Jon Emberton came up with the fundraiser after his son, Freddie, was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect.

Thankfully Freddie has made a full recovery and will no doubt be lacing up his boots to play for Kirkburton JFC soon.

The external judging panel recognised the club’s incredible work in the community and commitment to making it a game for all.

To find out more about Kirkburton JFC, visit their website.