⚽ About Barnet FC
Barnet Football Club, founded in 1888, is a historic North London club currently competing in the National League, the fifth tier of English football. Known as “The Bees”, Barnet has a strong local following and a reputation for developing talent, playing competitive football, and regularly challenging for promotion.
The club is based at The Hive Stadium in Edgware, a modern multi-purpose complex used by professional teams, community programmes, and elite training academies.
Barnet FC’s identity is built around hard work, community roots, and the ambition to return to the Football League — a level they have moved in and out of several times over recent decades.
🏟️ Home Stadium – The Hive Stadium
Opened in 2013, The Hive Stadium is one of London’s newest football facilities. With a capacity of around 6,500, it offers:
- Modern seating and sightlines
- A performance centre used by professional clubs
- A dedicated academy base
- Bars, cafés, and matchday hospitality suites
Located in Edgware, North West London, The Hive provides a compact but lively atmosphere, especially during big promotion battles and derby games.
📚 Extended History of Barnet FC
Barnet FC originated in 1888 and spent much of its early years in amateur and semi-professional leagues before establishing itself in the Football League in 1991.
Managers like Barry Fry and Paul Fairclough oversaw some of the club’s most successful periods, including promotions and memorable cup runs.
Key historical highlights:
- 1991 – Barnet reach the Football League for the first time
- Early 2000s – Regular play-off contenders in League Two
- 2004–05 – National League champions under Paul Fairclough
- 2015 – Promoted again as National League champions
- 2020s – Consistently competing in the National League play-off places
Barnet’s history reflects resilience — rising, falling, rebuilding, and always maintaining a passionate North London identity.
⭐ Famous Players & Club Identity
Over the years, Barnet has produced or featured several notable players including:
- Edgar Davids – ex-Juventus and Netherlands star, who also briefly managed the club
- Giuliano Grazioli – prolific striker and fan favourite
- John Akinde – top scorer who helped Barnet win the National League title in 2015
- Martin Allen – charismatic manager across multiple spells
Barnet FC is known for:
- A focus on youth development
- Attacking football during promotion-chasing seasons
- Strong community involvement
- A close, loyal fanbase
🔥 Current Competitions & Season Outlook
Barnet FC currently competes in:
- National League
- FA Cup
- FA Trophy
With consistent top-half finishes in recent seasons, Barnet are seen as strong contenders for both play-offs and automatic promotion.
Key strengths include:
- Athletic, attack-minded squads
- A growing reputation for developing forwards
- Tactical adaptability under modern coaching setups
Promotion back to the EFL remains the club’s main long-term target.
🧭 Rivals & Derbies
Barnet FC’s key rivalries include:
- Stevenage – geographic rivalry with frequent league clashes
- Dag & Red – long-standing competitive fixture
- Boreham Wood – a modern and increasingly heated North London derby
- Enfield Town (historic) – rivalry from the club’s amateur era
Derby matches at The Hive often draw some of the biggest crowds of the season.
🎟️ Ticket Guide – Barnet FC
Barnet offer some of the best-value professional football tickets in London.
Typical pricing at The Hive:
- National League matches: £15–£25
- Cup competitions: £10–£20
- Hospitality: £50+
Notes:
- Tickets rarely sell out except for big derbies or promotion games
- The Hive’s seating offers excellent visibility from all stands
- The club operates a simple online ticketing system
- Away fans have a dedicated stand behind the goal
Because The Hive also hosts multiple football programmes, matchdays have a strong community feel.
🎉 Matchday Experience
A matchday at The Hive is welcoming, family-friendly, and straightforward. Facilities include:
- Sports bar
- Café
- On-site gym and training centre
- Easy access from Canons Park Station
Atmosphere is generally relaxed but becomes very lively for rivalry matches or high-stakes late-season fixtures.
Travel is simple:
- Tube: Canons Park (Jubilee Line) – 5 min walk
- Parking: Limited on-site spaces; additional parking nearby
- Buses: 79, 186, 340 serve the area
📊 Barnet FC Records
- Biggest Win: 8–1 vs Rushden & Diamonds (2011)
- Most Appearances: Cliff Akurang & others from club’s early Football League years
- Most Goals (Modern Era): John Akinde – over 85 goals
- League Two Best Finish: 7th
- National League Titles: 2 (2005, 2015)
- Unique Feature: The Hive is one of the UK’s most modern non-league stadiums