Bacup Borough FC Forms Unique Partnership with Employability Project
A unique partnership has been established between Bacup Borough Football Club and Rossendale Works, an employability project, to enhance community involvement and support local volunteers. This collaboration began eighteen months ago when Jane Pallister joined the club as Head of Business Development, aiming to explore community initiatives and strengthen the club's local presence.
Initiating Community Engagement
With the support of Bacup Borough manager Brent Peters, Jane Pallister reached out to Rossendale Works to see if they could provide volunteers for the club. Jane stated, "For me, it was to get us out in the community. To see where, as a club, we could help. Bacup Borough has always had a strong community connection and I wanted to add more." Since June 2025, the partnership has been actively working together to complete various volunteer tasks, particularly during the construction phase of the new clubhouse.
Volunteer Tasks Completed
The unique partnership has accomplished several key projects, including:
- Redevelopment of a portable cabin into the Boro Cube, now serving as a volunteer space.
- Repainting parts of the main stand to improve facilities.
- Removing some spectator seats to meet FA requirements for safety and compliance.
- Weeding around the pitch to maintain the playing surface.
- Repairing a drystone wall that had been knocked down by tree roots, preserving local heritage.
Leadership and Support
The volunteer team is led by Oliver Chadwick, the Employability Officer at Rossendale Works, with Jane Pallister representing Bacup Borough Football Club and actively participating in all tasks. Paul Becouarn, Project Lead at Rossendale Works, commented, "The Rossendale Works team has worked in partnership to create opportunities across the community, supporting jobs, volunteering, skills and access to wider activities. Working with Bacup Football Club has been a great success, strengthened by the support and leadership of Jane Pallister."
Benefits for Volunteers and Club
Many volunteers have faced challenging situations in their lives, and this programme helps prepare them to return to work. Jane treats them with respect and joins in on maintenance tasks. She liaises with manager Brent Peters before each session to identify tasks needing completion. Jane explained, "Everyone benefits. The club gets maintenance work completed which, without the volunteers, would have cost the club a significant amount. More than £8,500 of value has been estimated in official reports by Rossendale Works."
Volunteers gain confidence and readiness for employment, with Bacup Borough providing references for job interviews. The club also offers framed certificates of appreciation and home-game benefits. Jane added, "It's the least we can do. And knowing that we're part of their journey is such an honour, genuinely an honour."
