THE former Co-op Sports Ground was the venue for a host of sporting achievements.

Sports lovers, Trelford Mills and Jack Shepherd were reminiscing about the ‘good old days’ of local sport, particularly the football and cricket scenes as ex-players do, when their thoughts turned to the Co-op Sports Ground.

Situated off Grove Street near Oakwell stadium, the grounds were extensive, consisting of two bowling greens, a football pitch and running tracks.

In the late 1950s a floodlit football training pitch, cricket pitch, gents’ hockey pitch, two netball courts as well as tennis courts were installed. The place was a ‘Mecca’ for sports-mad youngsters, as well as adults.

All these facilities were under the care of Walt Drewery, one of the best groundsmen in the area. He was meticulous in his care of the place and he also ensured that pavilion changing rooms were clean and tidy.

Jack played for Barnsley Grammar School Old Boys, Grace Street and The Paper Mill before joining the Co-op Sports football team. Eric Brookes was organiser. The benefits of playing for the Co-op were manifold. The quality of the pitches, changing rooms with showers, training facilties and refreshments. Even transport was laid on for away matches by Unity Coaches.

Trelford was a top flight football referee and captained Barnsley cricket team. He was also a good footballer and played for the Co-op team. Those who played at the Co-op Sports Ground often did so before some of the largest crowds in local leagues.

With its position next to Oakwell, fans watching from the old Kop (before the days of the North Stand) would turn and watch the Co-op game at half-time. There were loud cheers if anyone scored.