Club History

Barton Rovers Boys Football Club was formed in 1982 by Tony Cook, John Quinn and John Summerfield who lived in Tilehurst, Reading (United Kingdom) with sons who wished to play football.

Due to the lack of local opportunity, a team was formed and named Barton Rovers, as two of the three parents lived in Barton Road. An original and current aim is to provide local football to youths who may not otherwise have the opportunity.

Each season another team was added until we had representation at all age levels within the South Chiltern Minor League.

The name altered to Barton Rovers FC when we introduced a girls section, eventually leading to a ladies team. A men's Sunday team also started with players who had finished their Barton youth football.

We have experienced success both at youth and adult level although learning to play the game correctly has always been a priority.

We have received the Berkshire& Bucks Fair Play Award and twice been awarded the South Chiltern Minor League President's Cup, in recognition of our Club Secretary's administration as well as our members behaviour.

 

RICHARD OKE - ex Chairman

Our ex-Chairman passed away on Wednesday 11thNovember 2009.

Richard joined Barton Rovers Football Club at the beginning of the 1984-85 season as Assistant Manager to an Under 10s team and became the team Manager two years later. In June 1992, Richard was elected Club Chairman and at the same time was appointed Manager of the senior team.

Whilst under his direction the senior team was promoted on a regular basis from the lower divisions to the top division of the Reading Sunday League, during that time Richard also successfully established a Senior Reserve team.

Richard retired as Club Chairman 2001 after 9 years of service during which he established the foundations for the Club, which has since grown to where it is now.

He remained with the club for a further two years, finally retiring in June 2003 and whilst not being actively involved in the Club he maintained in contact and continued his interest in the Club and its teams.

Richard's contribution to the club is greatly respected and he will be sadly missed by all who knew him.