SUNDAY League footballers from Barnsley will have the chance to play at Oakwell later this month with two local FA finals taking place there.
The cup finals were banned from Oakwell for almost a decade after some alleged crowd trouble but were brought back by previous chief executive Khaled El-Ahmad in 2023.
There was one final that year and last year but this time there will be two.
The Hospital Cup final is due to take place on Tuesday, May 27 from 6.45pm and see The Cottage face AFC Pogmoor.
The following day, also at 6.45pm, West Bretton are due to play Worsbrough United in the Challenge Cup final.
Barnsley FA’s Luke Naylor said: “Getting two dates at Oakwell is massive for the open age men’s game in Barnsley.
“There is no doubt that, a few years ago, it was at its worst – with us having only 16 competing teams at the end of Covid.
“The chance to play at Oakwell was missing for so long and it gets more teams and players wanting to be involved.
“We’ve over 800 registered players this season which is the most we’ve had for ten years.
“Ann Hough (Barnsley FC secretary and head of football operations) has been great to work with and has been a credit to the club.
“Not many other competitions around us get to play their finals at a professional ground and for our league to secure two will benefit the game in Barnsley for years to come.
“We are already looking at four divisions next year with over 36 teams combined.”
Barnsley FC chief executive Jon Flatman added: “We’re pleased to be supporting Barnsley FA by hosting two local finals this spring.
“It’s part of our responsibility as a club to provide support to our community and help the grassroots game which is so integral to our footballing pyramid in England.
“I’d like to wish all the sides taking part the best of luck and I hope everyone enjoys the occasion in our fantastic home.”
Oakwell will be busy in the next few weeks, despite both the Barnsley FC men’s and women’s teams having finished their seasons.
The stadium is due to host Callum Simpson’s European title boxing match on June 7.
As for the Barnsley Sunday League, they are also hosting another final at Houghton Main FC on Friday, May 23 from 6.45pm.
That is the Roy Parden Trophy final and will see Barnsley Town face Athersley Rec.
The previous finals at Oakwell have seen West Bretton – managed by Premier League assistant referee Scott Ledger – beat Darfield Cross Keys 6-1 in 2023 then, last year, Birdwell Rovers won 3-1 against Darfield Queen Vic.
Both games were the final of the Challenge Cup.
