Barrow AFC’s Performance Centre will have some tough decisions to make after over 70 players turned up for open training sessions for their new under-11 team in each of the last two weeks.

The sessions took place at Hawcoat Park Sports Club, where club coaches took the boys through their paces in what was another step to try and grow the academy at the Bluebirds.

Those involved came from all over South Cumbria, and even beyond in some cases, with young players making their way to Barrow from places such as Kendal, Lancaster and Millom.

Head of the Performance Centre Liam Reid said: “The sessions have gone really well. We’re changing the structure at the club slightly, as we will have 28 members of staff at the club next season.

“We want to provide opportunities for people and show the Barrow way. That goes from the first team all the way to the under-8s.

“We’re keen to show the vision of what’s best for town and we want people to have the chance to do what they love (play football).”

The expansion of the Performance Centre is something that is endorsed by first team manager Ian Evatt, who wants there to be a better pathway for young footballers from the Furness area to make it into the game.

Reid, whose brother Nathan made three first-team appearances last season after playing in the under-21s, emphasised the idea that the door is always open to young players hoping to join the team and that they are welcome to return to try outs.

The club are also working on organising training roadshows in places such as Kendal to give players who live further away a chance to train with AFC.

On the plans he has for the Performance Centre, Reid said: “We’re looking to bring everyone from the first team to the under-8s all the way up to the reserves under the first team banner.

“We have an analysis team as well as a sport therapy team.

“We’re building links with local clubs across the area, while five players last year signed for the first team from the Performance Centre.”

Additional reporting by Michael Thomas