Football in Barrow upon Soar has its' origins in the late 19th century. The population of the village at that time would have numbered around 1000, compared with around 7000 today.

The team, known as the Barrow Rising Stars were based at The Railway Inn (now the Soar bridge), and played their football near the Mill. Members of the Loughborough and District League, they were obviously formidable opposition as their record shows they were winners of Division 1 in 1901/2 and 1902/3 and also Division 2 champions in 1911/12. Cup success included the Bass Charity Cup, Rolleston Cup, and the County Cup. In one particular season four trophies came their way.

The early years of the century saw the birth of the Old Boys (now Barrow Town). This team also played down "Mill Lane", and comprised mainly of boys from the village grammar school, their record though did not compare with the stars.