The David vs. Goliath clash in the English EFL Cup on Tuesday saw players representing Newfoundland and Labrador as Barrow AFC, a fourth-tier team, took on Chelsea FC at the legendary Stamford Bridge Stadium.
The government of Newfoundland and Labrador is Barrow’s shirt sponsor. The partnership, which will last for two seasons, will cost $171,000. Keyin College has also signed a $120,000 contract with Barrow, which will also feature the school’s logo on the sleeves of the uniforms.
Blair Connolly, the school’s head of international admissions, was part of the local delegation that travelled to see the game. Sarah Studeley, the minister for immigration, population growth and skills, was also in attendance, according to a government press release issued on September 19.
“It’s like a cathedral of football, so it’s incredible to have the opportunity to see it, and for Newfoundland and Labrador and especially Keene to be in the spotlight,” Connolly told CBC Radio from Stamford Bridge.
The two teams were competing for the EFL Cup, a competition featuring the top four leagues in English football.
Although the competition is three places lower than Chelsea, the match presents the club with a chance to face higher competition. The club travelled to Chelsea for the first time since 1948 and was watched by a crowd of 38,868.
Chelsea won 5-0 in Tuesday evening’s match.
Connolly said traveling to London for the game gave him a chance to connect with local fans and share stories about the province and the relationship between Britain and Newfoundland and Labrador.
“We’ve learned a lot about Barrow, and I hope they’ve learned a lot about Newfoundland and Labrador,” he said.
“We feel like this is a very unique opportunity, a very unique partnership, and we’re looking at, at its core, to … benefit the grassroots of our domestic soccer program and also expose Newfoundland and Labrador from a global perspective.”
Keyne College also hosted a viewing party at St. John’s on Tuesday.
Charlie Reid, executive director of the Newfoundland and Labrador Soccer Association, said it was meaningful to see the province’s name on the uniforms.
“They see international athletes competing internationally and playing the sport they love, so I think it’s amazing that our members across Ontario can have the opportunity to see that,” he said.
Keane has donated $30,000 to the association over three years to support grassroots football initiatives in the province.
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