Paul’s Blog
 
Sunday, 15 April 2007
NUFC Day Out
 
PRIDE. I was sat here wondering how best to sum-up my feelings afters such a great day-out with 61 Club players and 6 coaches at Newcastle United on Saturday and ‘pride’ just about covers it. I was so proud of all our 9-14 year-olds who represented the Club in such a positive way throughout the day. Their disciplined behaviour coupled with their smart appearance in their Longhoughton jackets made for an impressive sight as they moved around St James’ Park. Indeed, Newcastle United Football in the Community phoned me on Monday to say how much they enjoyed the day and how they were truly impressed with the kids attitude throughout. Furthermore, we were all proud of OUR Club. It is no exaggeration to say that the Club has developed into so much more than a small, rural village club – we have been called a ‘District Centre of Footballing excellence’ and I think we fully deserve it. We now have 108 players, including the largest U-8s section in North Northumberland whilst the girls section is gathering momentum with 20 girls preparing to kick-off in the new Belford girls league. Of course, all this is only possible with the outstanding efforts of the hard-working coaching staff and the continuing support of the parents. Certainly, Terry McDermott and Lee Clark appeared impressed with the fact that our Club has the highest number of FA qualified coaches in the County. However, the coaches did feel old when they remembered that Terry was PFA player of the year some 27 years ago in 1980. As an aside, the pride angle did allow me a good bit of banter on arrival at the NUFC Darsley Park training facility. We parked the coach and a security guard, who clearly wasn’t expecting us, rushed out and asked “Who exactly are you?” “WE” I said, pushing out my chest and rising to my full 5 foot 2 inches, “are LONGHOUGHTON RANGERS; who exactly are you??!” Of course the point is that the Club really is moving in the right direction and our entry into the NABC Sunday League next season is one example of this. April promises to be another busy month with the new Belford Girls League kicking off on the 21st whilst the Club is going into Lindisfarne and Thomas Percy Middle Schools to deliver 4 girls sessions on behalf of the Football Association. Meanwhile, the U-8s have their Newcastle Trip on the 28th (places still available via Stew Case) which co-incidentally is also the Glendale League Finals Day for the older kids. After winning the U-10 and U-12 leagues there is every chance that Longhoughton will be represented in 3 cup finals – good luck to all concerned. Also in April, five Longhoughton coaches embark on a gruelling 70 hour Level 2 course – good luck to me (I need it!), Eric, Bob, Rod and John Wilson. Lastly, as is reported elsewhere, the penalties have been an outstanding success with £2550 raised. It is no exaggeration to say that the money has got us through a period where funds have been very tight – many thanks to all who took the time to badger friends and relations. It’s good to see Treasurer Rod Munday smile again! That’s about all for now. Be proud and enjoy your football!