The Doncaster Rovers Community Sports and Education Foundation's learners on the E2E programme visited Oakwell Stadium for a friendly match against Barnsley's E2E team, which took place on the training pitch last Thursday.

The game kicked off to a great start with both teams fighting over possession of the ball, when Rovers seized the opportunity to take a shot at goal. The strike was stopped with a great save by Barnsley's 'keeper. The game carried on with a fast pace, with both Barnsley's aggressive defence and attack scuppering Rovers' chances for a goal on numerous occasions. However Rovers finally saw an opportunity and scored their first goal thanks to Ben Parker, but the lead was short lived as Barnsley fought back and netted 2 goals before the end of the first half.

At the start of the second half Doncaster's 'keeper Billy Swanson made several great saves before Barnsley managed to score their third goal of the game, which would later turn out to be the winner.

Rovers carried on despite the score being 3-1 to Barnsley and managed to make some spectacular passes, which ended up with Ryan Smyth getting Rovers' second goal of the game. Doncaster unfortunately failed to equalise by the end of the match as Barnsley's defence was as strong as when they started, but it was a great game played by both sides and we all look forward to our next meeting.

The E2E programme is a nationally run scheme which focuses on targeting young people who are classified as NEET (not in education, employment or training). E2E stands for Entry to Employment and is all about giving young people the skills and experience needed to find employment or further education. Both Doncaster Rovers and Barnsley football club run these programmes which aim to help young people who aspire to have a career in sport, giving them qualifications and experience to become sports instructors, leaders or coaches.