Barnsley F.C has announced they will be taken over by a local fostering service this weekend.
The League One side has teamed up with the service to raise awareness of the need for more local foster carers.
Kieron Campbell, Head of Foundation at Barnsley FC Community Trust, said: “We believe every child deserves a supportive and caring team, just like a football club, through fostering.
“We’re delighted to be supporting the fostering team at Barnsley Council as they search for new Barnsley families to become game changers in a child’s life, by considering foster care. We look forward to welcoming the whole fostering family to the match.”
The players have planned to wear green Barnsley fostering service t-shirts for their warm-up this Saturday.
The Reds have also teamed up with sponsor Rapid Response Telecoms to donate 300 tickets to foster families, independent visitor volunteers, and young people in care.
Representatives from the service and foster carers have arranged to hand out information leaflets at the game.
They will also be available for a chat with anyone interested in being a Barnsley carer for a Barnsley child.
Cllr Trevor Cave, Cabinet Spokesperson for Children’s Services, said: “A loving home is essential for a child’s well-being and development.
“Being able to continue living in the same town allows Barnsley’s children and young people in foster care to go to the same school and keep seeing their friends and family members, not to mention watch The Reds play at home!”
Both in Barnsley and nationally a shortage of carers has been found.
A particular need for people who can look after children over the age of ten, brothers and sisters who need to stay together and children with disabilities.
Barnsley Council has said: “There is no such thing as a typical foster carer – we consider people from a wide variety of backgrounds and circumstances. Anyone can foster as long as they are over 21, have a spare room and the energy and enthusiasm to look after a child.”
Anyone interested in becoming a foster carer can find out more information at barnsley.gov.uk/fostering or call 01226 775876.