Generous sponsors have enabled ambitious Barnard Castle FC to thrive on and off the pitch over the past year.
The club won promotion to the Wearside Premier Division in May 2025 and have competed at the top end of the table this season.
The club also made the momentous decision to launch a second team which joined the North Riding League Division Two in the summer and is currently well-placed to win promotion to Division One.
Shirt sponsors for both teams is Babuls, the award-winning Barnard Castle South Asian restaurant that prides itself on supporting several sporting organisations in Teesdale.
Babuls and the football club’s four other main sponsors – Advanced Handling and Storage, AKV, William Smith Ltd and Teesdale Renewables – have made a hugely-beneficial impact.
Barney manager John Close said: “I want to express our gratitude to Babuls and our other four main sponsors.
“Without them, I don’t know how we could compete with two teams across two leagues.
“Babuls is a huge supporter and thanks to them and the other main sponsors backing us we’ve been very competitive in the Wearside League Premier Division.
“I think it’s especially pleasing to us that Babuls – a town-based business – backs us. We’re really grateful for the support we receive from Babuls and the community.”
Explaining Babuls’ policy of supporting local sport, Barnard Castle restaurant manager Foy Ahmed said: “It’s part of contributing to the local community, promoting active lifestyles and a healthy, balanced diet.
“It’s good for people to go and enjoy playing sport.”
