With N.L. on their chests, Barrow AFC take to Stamford Bridge for match with Chelsea

Barrow AFC defender Ben Jackson stands on the pitch at Stamford Bridge in London for Barrow's matchup with Chelsea. The Newfoundland and Labrador government sponsors Barrow's jerseys with a logo for the province front and centre. (DAZN)

A David versus Goliath matchup in England's EFL Cup had some Newfoundland and Labrador representation on Thursday, when fourth-division English side Barrow AFC strode into the legendary Stamford Bridge stadium for a game with Chelsea FC.

The Newfoundland and Labrador government is the shirt sponsor of Barrow. The partnership, which will last for two seasons, cost $171,000. Keyin College also put $120,000 into an agreement with Barrow, which will see the school's logo also on the jerseys.

Blair Connolly, the school's director of international admissions, is part of the province's delegation who went to see the match. Immigration, Population Growth and Skills Minister Sarah Stoodley is also in attendance, according to a government news release issued on Sept. 19.

"This is like a cathedral of football, so to have an opportunity to catch this is incredible. And for Newfoundland and Labrador and Keyin in particular to be in the spotlight is amazing," Connolly told CBC Radio from Stamford Bridge.

The two teams are fighting for the EFL Cup, a competition open to the top four levels of English football. Although Barrow is a few levels below Chelsea, the game gives the club a chance to climb the ladder.

Barrow began slowly, conceding a four-goal lead to Chelsea within the first 50 minutes.

Connolly said he was able to connect with local fans of Barrow who made the trip to London for the match, sharing stories of the province and the connections between the United Kingdom and Newfoundland and Labrador.

"We learned a lot about Barrow, and hopefully they learned a lot about Newfoundland and Labrador," he said.

"We feel this is a very unique opportunity, a very unique partnership, and we are looking for, at the core of it … the grassroots benefit for our soccer programs at home and for exposure for Newfoundland and Labrador on a global perspective."

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