Local football club Barnet hosted a community day on Sunday, welcoming in fans and nearby residents, including a healthy contingent of north-west London’s Jewish supporters.
In an incredibly busy pre-season schedule, all of Barnet’s players found the time to engage with supporters, showcasing their understanding of the interdependence between lower-league clubs and their fanbase.
Barnet FC’s foundation manager, Aleks Czerniec, praised the players, telling the JC: “Credit to the players who all showed up on their day off.”
An open training session in Barnet’s Edgware stadium, The Hive, was “highly attended”, he said, and the players happily signed autographs and posed for photos. Czerniec believes the yearly event is crucial to the “community aspect of player engagement”.
Earlier in the day, Barnet hosted a youth five-a-side tournament, featuring affiliated clubs. Czerniec, who runs the affiliation scheme, believes it is hugely important in showing young footballers that “a lot of players are still humans. It inspires them”.
Many Jewish clubs are involved in the scheme. North West London Jets FC sent two teams to participate in the under-10s tournament.
Barnet often hosts affiliate club days on Tuesdays rather than on Shabbat, making it easier for Jewish fans to attend. Additionally, many of Barnet’s “young battalion” of frequent supporters are Jewish. “We embrace them,” said Czerniec.
He also went on to praise the club’s chairman, Tony Kleanthous. Free bouncy castles and food were laid on for the fans by Kleanthous, who, said Czerniec, was truly invested in the local community, not just his club.
Ahead of a long season in a difficult league, Barnet can at least be assured of the support of its local Jewish community. When the players clearly love interacting with their supporters, that positive relationship is often returned, and speaks of a bright future.
