What does it mean for a novice to dive into the world of football ownership? For Barrie Drewitt-Barlow, it means taking the helm of Maldon and Tiptree Football Club in a multi-million pound deal, a journey that will be chronicled in the upcoming ITV Sport series, Up The Jammers.
Set to air in April 2026 on ITV4 and ITVX, this six-part series will follow Drewitt-Barlow and his husband Scott as they aim to elevate the club to the English Football League within four years. Despite his lack of football knowledge, Drewitt-Barlow has entrusted Scott with the day-to-day operations, highlighting a unique dynamic in sports management.
The series promises an unfiltered look at the highs and lows of football ownership, a perspective that is often obscured in mainstream sports narratives. According to Richard Botchway, ITV Sport’s Assistant Commissioner, “We are excited to bring this special fly on the wall documentary series covering the highs and lows of football ownership to a free-to-air audience on ITV.”
Produced by TwentySix03, the series aims to capture the transformative effect of the club’s takeover on the local community. As noted by the executive producers, Antonia Hurford-Jones and Duncan Gray, “Barrie and Scott’s takeover and transformation of Maldon and Tiptree Football Club and its effect on the local community is nothing short of magical.” This sentiment reflects the broader implications of sports ownership beyond just the game itself.
As the series unfolds, viewers will witness the challenges and triumphs that come with managing a football club, especially for someone new to the sport. Drewitt-Barlow stated, “We didn’t get into football to play it safe, we got into it to build something big, and ITV is the perfect platform to bring that story to life.” This ambition sets the stage for a compelling narrative that intertwines personal growth with community impact.
While the excitement builds for the series premiere, details remain unconfirmed about how the local community will engage with the club’s new direction. The anticipation surrounding Up The Jammers reflects a growing interest in the realities of football ownership, particularly from those outside the traditional sports sphere.
As the first year of Drewitt-Barlow’s ownership unfolds, it will be fascinating to see how the series captures the essence of this journey and its potential to inspire others to explore the world of sports.