On Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th September 2024, Barton Inclusive Football Club (BIFC) hosted the Liam Jinks Cup 2024.
The event, the fourth Liam Jinks Cup in the club’s short history, brought together over 450 players across two days action, from U12 pan-disability to walking football.
The success of the event is a reflection of the magnificent volunteer team at BIFC and the tremendous support that they received from players and their families.
The Liam Jinks Cup is the highlight of the BIFC year, and the amount of people that raised their hand to help and support was truly phenomenal.
BIFC Chair Sophie Bartup shared: “Seeing our BIFC football family come together for such a meaningful cause is heartwarming. It’s proof that when we support each other, amazing things can happen.
It’s important for our club that our volunteer experience is extraordinary and we really did have so much fun together as hosts.
After each day, we were packed away over an hour ahead of schedule and this is down to the meticulous preparation of our volunteers.
We will meet as a committee to evaualte the event however I am totally blown away by what we achieved and the feedback we have had has been exceptional.
Thank you team. As our young volunteer Ethan says, ‘we are all little cogs in the massive BIFC wheel’ and we showed what true teamwork is this weekend.”
With the positive response from this two-day event, there’s no doubt that inclusive football will continue to grow in the Humber region.
Day One of the Liam Jinks Cup 2024: 29 teams feature in the pan-disability football event
BIFC would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who participated in day one of the Liam Jinks Cup 2024
The clubs featured were: Lincoln Invictus Inclusive Football Club, Sheffield City Knights Disability FC, BIFC – Hull, York, Bradford City DFC, Wheatley Wanderers, East Middlesborough Platinum, Halifax and Howden.
Their energy, enthusiasm, and support made it a truly unforgettable day.
This event was about more than just football – it was about creating a space where everyone, regardless of ability, could come together to enjoy the beautiful game.
The club’s participating showed how vital it is to make sports accessible and inclusive for all.
Time to say thank you.
Thank you to the wonderful team at Tigers Trust, to Tom from Lincolnshire Football Association and Disability Sport Yorkshire CEO Craig for supporting our event.
Thank you to Allan Newlove who was our results coordinator, doing a truly phenomenal job in the adverse weather.
Thank you to Amanda for hosting a super tombola and to Rachel for managing the football fundraising cards.
Thank you to photographer Gregg who captured all the presentations.
Thank you to all the brilliant match officials.
Thank you to all the amazing coaches and volunteers.
The very special BIFC volunteers who came together and made everything run like clock work!
Thank you to all parents, carers and spectators.
A special thank you to Liam’s parents Ann and Paul for attending day one and continuing their wonderful support of our club in honouring Liam’s legacy.
Let’s continue to champion inclusion and ensure that disability provision remains at the heart of everything we do.
Thank you once again for being a part of this history making day.
The picture below shows just a handful of our inspirational BIFC volunteers with Ann and Paul Jinks, just after a torrential downpour (still smiling).
Day two of the Liam Jinks Cup 2024: 18 walking football teams have an incredible day
On day two of the Liam Jinks Cup 2024, BIFC welcomed 18 teams to Baysgarth Sports Village.
We hosted three incredible competitions, where we saw exceptional team spirit and togetherness.
Thank you to Marcus and all the match officials who did an excellent job, many who travelled a great distance to referee at our event.
Thank you very much to Rachel who raised an incredible £80 on our fundraiser cards.
Thank you to Lisa for donating her gazebo for the day. Lisa took a knock to her ankle while representing BIFC Women’s Inclusive Football, we are wishing her a speedy recovery.
Thank you to all our participating teams who were wonderfully supportive in the lead up to our event.
Thank you to our amazing volunteer team who have done back to back days. This includes Sophie, Jojo and Caitlin.
Special mention to Skye who has played on both days, arrived early and stayed late to help set up and pack away.
BIFC have sent our feedback forms to all clubs, and will ensure the results are created into a report – as our ambitions for the Liam Jinks Cup 2025 begin to take shape.
Two days. 47 teams. Over 450 players. The Liam Jinks Cup 2024.
