The season may be only 2/3 completed and the World Cup in South Africa in the distance, the club have to start looking towards 2010-11 season. So next Wednesday 17th March we are looking to start the training for next seasons under 8 squad. So any boy or girl who is 7 years old on the 31 August can turn up at the Wentworth Leisure Centre at 6pm and see how they get on, the first session will last about one hour. At this age group we like to form two mini soccer squads with 12/14 in each so there are plenty spaces to fill. Once the squads are formed they will play in the Tynedale or Newcastle mini soccer Leagues on a Saturday or Sunday morning and be part of Hexham Football Club. If you would like any more details on the mini soccer section or any section of the club please contact Malcolm Reah (Junior Development) or please use the contact us page on this website.
Statement from NABC regarding Easter Fixtures 2010
The management Committee of the Pin Point Recruitment NABC Football League have taken the decision to implement a complete fixture list over the whole of the Easter period.As a league we fully understand some clubs will have problems in pitch availability but we ask for all clubs to support the league and give their co-operation to get as many games played as possible. Whilst we, as a committee appreciate problems may arise, we believe all member clubs will support our decision.
In support of this decision, may we also highlight the fact to all clubs that we do not have any official ruling stating that fixtures will NOT take place on any given date, we therefore would draw your attention to the NABC League rule 5 (c), which states:Clubs wishing to be free on a certain occasion should submit an application, in writing to the League secretary at least four weeks (28 days) before the fixture list is compiled. Please note: Club secretaries should NOT assume that the league committee will automatically grant any requests.
Therefore, in accordance with league rules, if a team wish to apply for dispensation over the Easter period, a written request clearly stating the exact dates and reasons why must be received by the league no later than:
2pm FRIDAY 5th MARCH 2010
Training off at the Wentworth 10th & 24th feb
Unfortunately for all of us that train at the Wentworth on a WEDNESDAY evening it is cancelled on the 10th & 24th February. This is due to the Sunday League team Hexham Ex Service trying to catch up on some league games that had to be cancelled due to the recent wintery conditions. This ONLY effects the Wednesday night teams ,Monday and Thursday are unaffected
Thanks to the Northumberland FA
We have received an unexpected gift from the NFA in the shape of a Umbro voucher for £50. The award is in recognition of our on going commitment to the FA Charter Standard programme and development of football within the local community . Thanks to everyone at Whitley Road
Under 12 Fundraising "Band Night"
Hexham Golf Club will again host this annual fundraising event for the team. Tickets priced at £8 per person will be available to buy soon from Colin or Alison but get the date in your diary now!
Hexham FC Cash Draw
Due to the lack of games in January we have decided to carry over the January draw and double up with February. So the next draw will take place on Sunday 28th February
Spot the Difference ?
Sat 9th Jan 2010
Spot the difference between the photo below and the one above. Apart from the different angle and a change of waggons in the background there is non. So it looks like the undersoil heating has not kicked in yet so once again the chance of training or any games look bleak
Snow Go @ the Wentworth
Sunday 3rd Jan 2010
As you can see from the photo above training and matches are in some doubt this week. The forcast is for minus temperatures and more snow possibly Tuesday/Wednesday. So enjoy you extended break because once this all clears we will have a backlog of games to catch up with
Thanks to you all
Just a thank you to you all for the massive suprise I received on my birthday. It was supposed to be a quiet affair but during the evening Hillary & Jullie appeared with a bottle of champagne and a card made especially for me. Inside that card was names and signatures of a lot of our players. Also a malicious slur about about me getting older and hitting 50!. I was totally taken a back,and lost for words. I would like to thank you all for the time taken, organisation and thought behind it.
Cheers Doug
Under 12 girls driving forward with sponsor
The Club has a new team this season and it’s the girls under 12 side who will taking to the pitch very soon in the Northumberland Girls League at Cramlington. The team play in a seven a side competition against some of the best female footballers in the county. A new squad means we have to find a new sponsor and Alan & Liz Birchall who own A2B private Hire Taxis stepped in to sponsor the group. Pictured with some of the squad are Alan & Liz with team coach Nicola Davey in the centre of the back row. A2B are a local firm who operate with two six seater vehicles throughout our area, the club is delighted to welcome them as team sponsors and look forward to the girls driving on to success.
New Players Needed
The under16 boy’s squad is looking to recruit new members. Three of the original team have been picked by their county to play rugby and one player has moved on to Northumberland badminton squad so that takes the majority of their time at the weekend. When another player moved away the lads were very short on numbers. The team trains on a Thursday evening at the Wentworth and play their matches on a Sunday in the NABC football league. So if you were under 16 on the first of September 2009 and fancy a game contact Phillip Loughhead on 01434 609215 or email from the contacts page with your details.
Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre
We have been requested by the County F.A to pass this mesage on to all our parents,gardians, coaches and players. Please take a minute of your time for Madeleine McCann and help spread this special message around the world.
A new film has been released by the UK’s police organisation for child protection - the Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) Centre - aimed at anyone close to the person who was involved in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann. That person could be a relative, friend, work colleague or neighbour. Whoever they are, they have a secret that could reveal what happened to Madeleine.
In order to reach that person, CEOP are asking for the public’s help to share this message virally, via the internet, so that the message is so widespread it becomes one click away to the person who knows something about Madeleine’s disappearance. The message is then a constant reminder that it is never too late to do the right thing, to stop keeping this secret and pass this vital information to their local police.
Click on the CEOP link in the article above
Postal Scam Be Careful
Can you circulate this around Especially as Xmas is fast approaching - it has been confirmed by Royal Mail. The Trading Standards Office are making people aware of the Following scam:
A card is posted through your door From a company called PDS (Parcel Delivery Service) suggesting that they were Unable to deliver a parcel and that you need to contact them on 0906 6611911 (a Premium rate number). DO NOT call this number, as this is a mail scam Originating from Belize . If you call the number and you start to hear a recorded message you will Already have been billed £15 for the phone call. If you do receive a card with these Details, then please contact Royal Mail Fraud on 02072396655 or ICSTIS (the Premium rate service regulator)at www.icstis.org.uk
Congratulations Andrew
Congratulation to Andrew Turnbull who has successfully passed his FA Level One training course. He passed during the half term holidays in a week long extensive course at Ashington. Andrew will assist with the Under 9 greens in the Tynedale League
Changes to Thursday Training
We have had to change the training time for everyone who uses the Wentworth on a Thursday night. From 29th October the under 15 will begin at 7.15 pm and finish at 8.15. The under 16 & 17 will then take over and go on till 9.15. This will stop any health and safety issues that may occur as the Harriers have the facilities booked till 7pm.
Under no circumstances turn up for your session any earlier than Five minutes before you are due to begin
Press Release from Northumberland County Council
24th September 2009
Kick off for Hexhams new Junior Football Pitches
Work on a fantastic new development that will significantly improve football facilities in West Northumberland is due to kick off on site at Hexham on 5 October 2009, with site preparation from 28 September.
Following lots of detailed work by Northumberland County Council and the former Tynedale Council, along with Hexham Football Club, North Country Leisure (Tynedale) and educational activity centre provider Kingswood all agreements have been signed and sealed so that the project can be delivered.
The much anticipated new facilities for junior footballers in the Hexham area will include two football pitches, a training area, pavilion and car park. The development work, at Dukeshouse Wood south of Hexham, is due to be finished by the end of April 2010, with pitches ready to be played by the 20010/11 season.
The £800,000 project has been supported with £463,815 from the Football Foundation and further funding from Northumberland County Council, Hexham Football Club, the former Tynedale Council, and housing developers’ funds. The Football Foundation is the UK's largest sports charity, funded by the Premier League, The FA and Government. Since its launch in 2000 it has invested £10m into 127 grass roots projects across Northumberland.
Paul Thorogood, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation said: “I am delighted that the Football Foundation is supporting the development of new clubhouse and pitches at the Dukeshouse Wood site in Hexham.
"It is great news that work is commencing at the site and all of the local stakeholders, including the Northumberland County FA, deserve credit for their work so far. Once the facility opens its doors to the local community it will be a significant boost to sports provision in the area.”
Councillor Mrs Isabel Hunter, executive member for culture at Northumberland County Council says: “We are all absolutely delighted to see work starting on this much needed new facility for junior football in this part of West Northumberland. I know that young footballers will be dying to get their boots on the new turf, and I hope that it provides huge benefits to junior football in the area.” Jon Armstrong is responsible for delivering the football development plan for Hexham FC. He said: “The junior section of Hexham Football Club is thrilled that the Dukeshouse Wood scheme has now officially progressed to the build stage. Naturally we are grateful for the continued commitment and support from Northumberland County Council, North Country Leisure (Tynedale), the Northumberland Football Association and the Football Foundation, and we all look forward to the facility opening shortly after the 2010 World Cup!” Hexham FC club secretary Doug Robson added: “It’s been a great deal of hard work for a lot of people but this is great news that the construction is about to begin. This will provide a much needed facility for the club which will benefit many children in the area for years to come. It is a home for the club which everyone can be extremely proud of.”
Through the Northumberland County Council members local improvement scheme contributions have also been received from Hexham councillors Derek Kennedy, Ingrid Whale and Terry Robson. The completed facilities will be managed by Northumberland County Council in partnership with Hexham Football Club, with the site leased from Kingswood. The leading provider of residential school trips and educational school tours said that it was delighted to be able support the creation of this fantastic sports facility. Group development director Jonathan Barber said: “We look forward to working with Northumberland County Council in ensuring that this will be of huge benefit to local children as well as those in the wider community.” The development project will be managed by Crawford Higgins Associates on behalf of Northumberland County Council, with the main contractor Koru Property Services Limited from Gateshead. Mark Taylor, director at Koru, said: “Koru has a long standing history of quality work delivered on time, and we are looking forward to working with all the partners and Northumberland County Council to ensure that the facilities at Dukeshouse Wood are second to none.”
Junior Great North Run 2009
Picture shows some of our under 12 squad crossing the Millennium Bridge on Saturday during the Junior Great North Run. All togeather ten members of the squad completed the run well done to you all. Pleased you had some energy left for the match on Sunday
Criminal Record Bureau Checks
Many of you will have seen the national TV, radio and press today (Sept 11) which is making a big thing of the new Criminal Records Bureau Checks. The Club has been aware of this for a number of months and has discussed this at length at committee meetings. We have also had contact with Mr Gordon Stewart (Northumberland FA County Welfare Officer) to clarify the situation. At the present time we all have a CRB certificate which complies with the law. The Football Association and the Government have agreed a phasing in of the new system over the coming months so no one need worry there will not be a fine of £5,000 dropping onto your doormat.
We are a little ahead of the game as we already have started to recruit child safeguarding officers from the club and the first volunteer is taking the course very soon. The club is also talking to a couple of other parents who also are showing an interest in helping out.
All the authorities realise this will be a major headache for clubs like ourselves but you can be assured we will be working very closely with the NFA as this all unravels to maintain a safe environment for our players to enjoy playing football.
Doug Robson (Club secretary & Club Welfare Officer)
Nearly There !
The waiting is almost over, the dawning of a new era is about to begin for Hexham Football club. The proposed new development of two pitches and a training area with changing facilities at Dukeshouse Wood is about to get the green light. The last few legal details are about to be completed and very soon the heavy trucks and diggers will begin to level the site for the construction of the pitches.
This project has been discussed at various levels since the Club was formed back in 2002 but over the last five years serious discussions and negotiations have taken place with Tynedale / Northumberland Council, North Country Leisure, Northumberland FA and in the later years the Football Foundation and Kingswood (Centre for Education and adventure) . The plan was to provide extra playing and training facilities for the club but as ever these things cost money. The club was tasked by the then Tynedale Council to raise £30,000 towards the project so everyone set about on a range of fundraising events. Sponsored walks, coffee mornings in fact anything that would raise this sum. Towards the end we got the begging bowl out and went knocking on doors of local councillors and charitable groups and they did not disappoint us by contributing part of their budgets for community projects.
A lot of the people who helped raise this sum have now left the Club as their children have moved on to senior football and other activities but they made a major contribution and have left a legacy for the future children of the town.
The rest of the money was raised by a combination of Tynedale Council and an application by the Football Club to the Football Foundation. The application to the Foundation was submitted with the help of North Country Leisure and the Northumberland Football Association and their assistance was invaluable. Tynedale Council then stepped up to the plate and with another cash injection the target of £650,000 was hit; the club owes an immense debt to all these organisations and the people who made this all possible. We look forward now to an exciting future and facilities we can all be proud of. Please keep checking the Dukeshouse page on our website for more news as the project develops.
NABC Results and Tables
The NABC have come up with a great idea to see fixtures and results for all our team's. They have linked in with the FA.com Full Time service and all the fixtures and results can be viewed from there. All your teams results can still be see on your individual page on this site. Hit the NABC logo to take you to the site
Join the Hexham FC Fantasy Football 2009 / 10
Click the link,follow the instructions and when you have picked your team apply to join the Mr Ant's/Hexham FC League. Its free to enter with a trophy for the Champion at the end of the season.
Entry Code 461923-105610
Referees Quitting over Abuse
Follow the link to the BBC News website to a shocking incident at a under 14 game in Wales. A parent received an 18 month prison term for attacking a 62 year old referee .
Rain could not dampen under 10 delight
Click on the team photo for the full story
Congratulations to Longhoughton Rangers
Great news for Longhoughton Rangers, they have scooped the FA Charter Standard National Development Club of the Year award. Many congratulations from us all at Hexham FC Click on the CS logo to go to the NFA link.
Cup Dates 2009/10
Junior Cup
Rangers/Tesco
Colts Cup
Cubs Cup
Round 1
27 September
13 September
4 October
21 September
Round 2
22 November
11 October
8 November
18 October
Round 3
17 January
15 November
6 December
13 December
Round 4
7 February
20 December
24 January
7 February
Round 5
1 March
Semi-final
1 March
21 February
21 February
28 March
Final
Open
Open
Open
West Division Cup Dates
Under 10-13 inc
6 September
Under 14-17 inc
19/20 September
24/25 October
6/7 March
Rule's Update
A size 4 ball will be used for under 11,12,13 & 14
a size 5 ball will be used for under 15,16 & 17
Registrations & Transfers
Players may not be de-registered or transferred until October 1st 2009
No transfers or registrations will be allowed after 31st March 2010
Players will be allowed TWO transfers during the season
Players may NOT play for anymore than THREE teams during the season
Counterfoils
Counterfoils MUST be carried and presented at all official fixtures.
Any team failing to produce their counterfoils will receive a £20.00 fine
And the POINTS AWARDED to the non-defaulting team
Awards Night @ Mr Ant's
Player of the Season
Top Goalscorer
Managers Player
Graham Turner
Iain Strachan
Scott Coates
The senior team had their presentation recently at Mr Ant’s Bar (senior team sponsor) and there was a room full of the squad to hear who had won the awards this year. After Karen (Bar Manager) had kindly fed the squad she also agreed to present the main awards.
The first award went to the top goal scorer who was Iain Strachan, last year Iain shared the award but this year he was five goals clear of his nearest rivals Tom Phillips and Darren Dobson. Next award was for the coaches’ player of the season, this is not just given for his performances on the pitch but also for all the commitment shown at training throughout the season. Scott Coates deservedly won this award, keeping it in the family after his brother Steven’s success last season. The award that is voted for by the players for man who they think has performed best on the pitch was won by Graham Turner with Gavin Cox and Darren Dobson coming second and third with only a couple of votes in it. A total of nine players received nominations from their teammates. Graham was also the recipient of the most Man of the Match awards so he took the Player of the season award but again it was close. After thirty six games he had five nominations but tying for second place was Neil Tiffin and captain Gavin Cox with four apiece. The player who made the most appearances for season 2008/09 was Scott Robson who only missed one game and one match behind him was Mark Gibson, with work and family commitments this is a tremendous effort from the lads.
Hexham Kit Travels to Gambia
With the summer transfer merry ground hitting the heights it’s not surprising that the majority of people assume that football is awash with ready cash. Nothing could be further from the truth and at grassroots level this is very evident, where clubs like Hexham FC are reliant on player subs and generous local sponsors. Imagine what it must be like trying to raise funds for playing kit in the West African country of Gambia. This republic is the smallest country in the continent of Africa and is bordered to the North, East and South by Senegal and to the West by almost fifty miles of Atlantic coastline. The country itself almost mirrors the meandering Gambia River and at its widest point is only thirty miles across. Almost a third of its population earns below the international poverty line which is 1.25 US$, so the big money of the Premiership must seem like a completely different world to them. But Hexham Football Club has been able to assist them in a small way. After a Hexham lady, Theresa Brolly had a conversation with a couple of our coaches, she enquired what happens to our old strips when children have grown out of them and moved up.
Her nephew Phil and his wife Jeanette have a small holiday property in a small village near Serra Kundi in Gambia. In the past they had taken out unwanted toys, books and games for some of the local people who needed some help, this was a great way of building good relations in the country and they thought the locals could do with some new kit when they play at the neighbouring town of Wellingra . The coaches Terry Graham and Les Gibson mentioned this at a Club meeting and it was agreed we would look to see if we had any old kit which was just collecting dust and could be put to good use.
They soon collected some of our green and white kit and Theresa packaged it and sent it off with her family on their next trip over there. This week Theresa gave us some photographs to show how much the children and students of the village have appreciated the playing kit and how they are being put our old strips to good use. From the photo’s you can see the pitches are a little dry and sandy but as the climate is tropical at least they got a game before the rain came
Not all the strips went to the village children; some was passed on to the “schools for gambia” charity. This charity collects all unwanted sports kit and other donations which it distributes it to the needy of the country .You can find out more about this charity by logging onto
We hope soon to be able to collect some more to send out to Theresa’s family and if anybody has playing kit of any kind which they longer need please let the Club have it and we will pass it on. It does not have to be a full set of strips even one will benefit someone. So when you are buying next seasons colours just think of the help you can give a young person in Africa with your old one. Any contribution can be donated to any club official
Photo's and update from our Presentation Night
For all team photo's from the night and more just follow the link
Changes @ the West Division
Long term servent of youth football in the Tynedale area Johnny Heslop has become a vice president of the division. This has left a vacancy for the position of chairman and last years vice chairman Colin Smith has stepped up to the chair. Treasurer David Tiffin and secretary Malcolm Woodhall were re-elected un opposed. The role of vice chairman was taken by Andrew Wylie (27 May 09)
Under 14 Girls Northumberland Cup Win !!!
Match report on girls page.
Hexham smile's at Skegness
Hexham Juniors FC Under 11's recently travelled to a football festival in Skegness, Lincolnshire, featuring more than 200 teams. Although Hexham narrowly missed out on qualification for the final of the tournament (finishing second in their group) there were smiles all around as their names were announced as the winners of the tournaments prestigious David Beckham fair play award. The honour is awarded by the tournament officials, each team receiving points out of 100 by the officials for their performance and conduct in every game they play in over the weekned. Colin Fairless and Martin Lowes who run the team said "It's nice to win tournaments, but it is much more important that the kids enjoy playing and this award is fantastic for the team, not only was it for playing great football fairly but it was voted by the linesmen, officials and referees which makes it that much more special" As the winners Hexham are in with a chance of travelling to London for a special training weekend at the David Beckham academy.
Under 11's pictured with World Cup hero Sir Geoff Hurst
Please be all aware when using any changing facilities please do not leave any valuables. This week some low life decided to remove an IPod and a gold chain from the Wentworth. This happened whilst our u16 team was on the pitch last Sunday. If any person saw any thing suspicious please report this to the Club at
Or any Club official. In the mean time we have asked the Leisure Centre to check the CCTV
Hexham's golfing keeper
Not only will Sean Heads do a good job in goal for Hexham’s senior team he’s also not bad at golf. Sean recently played for Team Northumberland at the Craigmillar Park Open close to Edinburgh. Sean and his teammate James Curry from Prudhoe both sank a top twenty finish in the 72 hole competition. The new golf season starts soon and Team Northumberland will be looking to start the season as well as this pre season tournament
Ex Hexham Junior's Injury Nightmare
The ex Hexham Juniors player Shaun Vipond has had a terrible slice of bad luck recently by breaking his collar bone in a pre season friendly for his new club Ostersund. Shaun who was an apprentice at Carlisle United before earning a two year contract with the Cumbrian club had made a good start with the Swedish outfit and had played four games before the injury struck. It was only twenty minutes into the game with Norwegian club Byasen when after a tackle his opponent fell on him and this resulted in the break.
Shaun had been reserve team captain for Carlisle and made four first team appearances when injury struck the last time pre season 2007 /08 which resulted him in missing vital time on the pitch. The manager at the time ex Newcastle player Neil Macdonald moved on and Shaun never made any more appearances for the first team. In November last year he moved on loan to Blue Square North side Workington and played 39 games scoring 3 from midfield. Quickly becoming a favourite with the fans of the Red’s with his specialty free kicks. Ostersund compete in the Division 1 Norra, which is the third highest tier in Swedish football.
His previous Carlisle boss Neil Macdonald had become temporary manager of Ostersund in the autumn of 2007 and helped them avoid relegation and he had a hand in putting them in touch with Shaun to set up the Swedish adventure. The break will take three months to heal and at the moment Shaun is in discussions with his present manager Karl-Gunnar Bjorklund and the clubs medical staff to see if he has to spend his convalescence in Sweden or he may be able to come back to England. If he is allowed back to Hexham expect to see him on the touch line at the Wentworth cheering on his old teammates in the Northern Alliance but everyone at the club hopes it will not be to long before he set off again for the Scandinavian soccer scene
OSTERSUND FC
Jamtkraft Arena
Visit the Journal/Hexham Microsite click below
The latest article on local England ladies player Jenny wilkes appears here !
UTOPIA TRAVEL COMPANY
ST HELENS STREET, CORBRIDGE
01434 636960
Utopia Travel Company of Corbridge have generously offered us a opportunity to boost our funds. When you are booking your next holiday, short break, business trip or any venture away from home, they will donate to us a percentage of the cost. Please have a look at the page on our site and visit their website call in or give them a ring. But remember when making a booking please quote
HFC/09/DR
fANTastic deal for the Seniors
The senior team has a new sponsor; Mr Ant’s Bar has come on board for the rest of this season and all of season 2009/10. The team could not compete without the help of local businesses and Mr Ant’s is vital to the club. Part of the sponsorship is the Mr Ant’s logo on the teams shirts and after the home games our visitors are treated to an after match buffet. The deal also contributes to the insurance and pitch fees and along with other fund raisers/match sponsors ensures the teams future.
Pictured are some of the team modelling the new shirts in Mr Ant’s with account manager Karen Robinson.
Paul Dixon's Non-League Column
Around the Grounds Wed 4th March 2009
Hexham's duo's ambitious plans
The town is not noted as a hotbed of soccer, but in Doug Robson and Terry Graham, there are two people determined to put Hexham on the football map. Robson who is the club secretary and Graham who is both chairman and manager of the first team have built the club up from nothing in a short space of time. And Saturday’s excellent win over Shankhouse in the Northern Alliance League Cup quarter finals is proof that the club is heading in the right direction and just reward for their efforts.
“We started the club three years ago but myself and Terry have been involved in junior football for many years in Hexham” Doug told me. “It’s hard work but we love our football” “However it would be great if we could get more people from the town helping out behind the scenes” Hexham who p[lay their home games at the Wentworth Leisure Centre in the town, are currently mid-table in the Alliance second division. Both Terry and Doug are keen to continue pushing the club forward and say reaching the Alliance Premier division is their long term aim. Doug added:” We want to progress through the leagues and would love to be in the Premier one day.”we have a very young side and we know it’s going to take time, but these players have potential and want to be successful”
Thanks to Paul & the Newcastle Evening Chronicle for allowing us to publish the article
Jenny Wilkes
England Womans u15 Training Camp, February 2009
On Sunday 15th February 2009, 19 girls from FA Centres of Excellence around the country gathered at Maidenhead for a 5 day England women’s U15 training camp to include 2 friendly matches against France. A total of 10 of the girls came from just 3 clubs, Arsenal, Aston Villa and Everton.
The North East was represented by local girl Jenny Wilkes, currently captain of the Newcastle United Girls’ Centre of Excellence U14 team. The squad’s intensive training programme, focusing on individual fitness and endurance, included daily ice baths. In addition this was an opportunity to practise football skills with fellow elite players. Inevitably there were discussions with the team coaches about tactics for the forthcoming games against their French counterparts. The first match kicked off at Bisham Abbey in the afternoon of Tuesday 17th February. Jenny remained on the bench for this game which, for the majority of the players, was their first time wearing an England shirt for real. The game was hard fought with a lot of play in the middle of the park. Both sides had chances to score but it was the French girls who came out victorious scoring the only goal of the game. On Wednesday the England girls trained hard preparing for the second match which took place, again at Bisham Abbey, during Thursday morning. Jenny played as the right sided central defender for the whole 90 minutes. Although England played well the experience of the French girls shone through giving them a 5-0 victory. The score did not reflect the high standard of football played by the English girls, who had come together as a team for the first time that week; in what was an excellent all round performance. After the match Jenny said “walking out on to the pitch wearing the 3 lions badge of my country was the proudest moment of my footballing career so far. The team played well and it has been an amazing experience. What a way to spend half term!” As the players departed their thoughts turned towards the team’s next international encounter against Germany in April.
Thanks to Kevin from Forest Hall under 14's,his team was playing at Wallsend on Sunday and one of his parents found a purse laying on the grass by one of the pitches. A quick investigation found a document with Hexham FC on it, he then got in touch with the Club and we were able to contact our under 15 team manager Phillip Loughhead who's team was playing at the same site. One of our parent's had dropped the purse earlier and after a couple of calls was gratefully reunited with her belongings.
Thanks again Kevin and the Parent who handed the purse in
An offer for all Hexham FC players and their Families
As part of a sponsorship deal with the club Open Road Motoring School have offered any player or member of their family a discount on any lessons.
Freephone 0800 013 2046
Instead of the normal £20 an hour, any player or family member can book 1 hour for
£16 !
Just ring the 0800 number and they will put you in touch with Paul and he will arrange everything. Remember thats any club player or a family member who holds a provisional licence
Another Three Years of Charter Standard Status !!!
Hexham Football Club has been honoured by the renewal of their FA Charter Standard Status. Three years ago the Club achieved the level of Development Club Status; this is the second highest level which can be achieved. There are only twelve other clubs in Northumberland which have reached this level.
The Club hope to achieve the top award (Community Club) within the next five years. This will be difficult but at least this proves we are on the correct path. All the coaches will be attending updates on Child protection And First Aid in 2009. As well as constantly keeping a close eye on the CRB disclosures. A word of thanks must go to the Development Team at the Northumberland Football Association. The assistance given by them is first rate and the Club looks forward to working with them in 2009 as we strive to take the next step up the Charter Standard ladder
Tynedale Sports Council awards 2008
Hexham Football Club was well represented at the recent Tynedale Sports Council Awards held at the Function Suite, Tynedale Auction Mart. The Club came away with Certificates of Merit all presented by Tyndale’s own Olympic Bronze medal winner Matt Wells
In the Junior team of the Year award the under 15 team were nominated. This team has had an amazing run of success over the past three seasons, before the season just past they had won the Coast Colts League title for the two previous campaigns. Then the unfortunate demise of the CC League meant they had to join the NABC completion, this enforced a complete change with many new sides to take on as well as some old friends. This they did with dramatic effect. In a eighteen game season they swept all before them winning all eighteen matches scoring 138 goals conceding only 9 amassing 54 points.
On an individual front Aidan Harbottle from last year’s under 13 Whites was nominated also. Aidan has played for the Club since he was in the under 9 squad. In the early days this team struggled to keep pace with other teams of their age group. As the seasons have gone by the team has got better and better and some of this improvement has been down to Aidan and his goal scoring exploits. The season before last the team won the Coast Colts League and in the season just gone 2007/08 Aidan hit the net 70 times, this time in the NABC. This season up to October another 12 have gone past bemused goalkeepers. His all time goal haul now stands at 240. In season 2006 / 07 Aidan received the player of the season award from the Coast Colts League.
Also to receive a certificate was Senior team goal keeper Sean Heads, he may claim that is exploits between the sticks had a bearing on this award but surely his performances on the golf course earned him the nomination for Sportsman of the Year. Sean never missed a match for Northumberland County Golf team last season and was captain of the English Universities team.
Well Done to You All
England Call's For Jenny
Photo by Courtesy of Grace Beresford
Local girl, Jenny Wilkes, who lives at Great Whittington, was delighted to learn recently that she had gained a place in the England Women’s Under 15 football squad. She is in fact only one of two players from the Tyneside area to be favoured with such high recognition and she is now in distinguished company.
Having been nominated for England Trials at Kingston upon Hull in early October 2008 she was selected for a 3 day training camp at Lilleshall later that same month. Selection for the full England Under 15 squad soon followed where she now trains alongside the women’s footballing elite with players from clubs such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Aston Villa and Everton.
To all those that have ever been involved with Jenny, her exceptional talent as a footballer was obvious from a very young age. In the early stages Jenny played alongside boys of similar age and even then her talent for the game shone through. She was able to mix it with the boys in equal measure and this clearly helped her early development giving her that competitive edge.
Over the years a number of local schools and clubs have played a part in her development, having attended both Corbridge First School and Corbridge Middle School, and also playing with Corbridge United Under 10’s. She then joined Hexham Football Club Under 12’s for a couple of seasons which enabled her to compete with all girls teams from across the region in the Northumberland Girls League. As an elusive, goal scoring midfielder, it was here where Jenny really started to get noticed as a star in the making.
The following season Jenny was accepted by the Newcastle Girls Centre of Excellence Under 14’s who quickly realised her potential as a central defender. Even with this change in position, Jenny took on the challenge and was awarded Most Improved Player of the Season. In her second season with the development squad Jenny not only continued in her role as an extremely skilful central defender but her leadership qualities were also recognised when she was awarded the captain’s armband. Jenny’s successes to date are due in no small measure to her own dedication and commitment but the support and sacrifice of her family should also be recognised, following her far and wide to all parts of the country week in week out to enable Jenny to realise her potential. Jenny’s success story will not of course stop here and we all await the next exciting chapter with baited breath. Auther RH
Fair Play award 2007/08
For the second year running the senior team has won the Northern Alliance Fair Play Award. During the season 2007/08 the team received just 10 yellow cards and not a red in sight. The season before they won the award outright, but this year they shared the title with Amble United. The club received a cheque for £75 from the Northern Alliance and also a voucher for £200 from the Northumberland FA to spend at the Umbro website. Pictured is Club Chairman Terry Graham receiving the voucher from Northumberland FA vice President Les Todd
Waitrose Community Matters Help Hexham F.C
Pictured is club secretary Doug Robson gratefully receiving a cheque of £260. The cheque was given by Duty Manager Patrick Macalindon on behalf of Waitrose Community Maters. During the month of September shoppers at the Hexham store received a token at the checkout and then decided which of the local good causes they would support by putting their token into one of the three boxes at the door. At the end of the month all the tokens were counted and Club’s share of the £1,000 pot was £260. The cheque received will go towards equipment required for the new development at Dukeshouse which is due to open in 2009.The club is grateful to Waitrose who since coming into Hexham have been a tremendous supporter of the club. Also would like to thank all the shoppers at the store who gave us their token.
Hexham Juniors Net Football Foundation Grant
13:20 GMT, Friday, 08 August 08.
Funding Hexham Juniors Football Club and Tynedale Council are celebrating following the award of a £463,815 grant by the Football Foundation, the UK’s largest sports charity. The cash bonanza will allow Tynedale Council to develop two new natural turf football pitches, a practice pitch and a changing pavilion at DukesHouse Wood in Hexham, designed for junior football. The scheme will specifically cater for children from the under eight age group up to the under 16s. It fulfils a long established need for football facilities in the Hexham area, as identified in Tynedale’s Open Space, Sport and Recreation strategy and its Playing Pitch strategy.
The project has been led by Tynedale Council through a strong partnership with Hexham Football Club, North Country Leisure (NCL) Tynedale and the Northumberland Football Association. The new facility will enable a comprehensive coaching, training and competitive football programme to be offered through the junior section of Hexham Football Club.
Jon Armstrong who deals with Hexham Football Club’s development plan said: "The Football Club in Hexham is particularly delighted to receive this news. The commitment of Tynedale Council, North Country Leisure (NCL) Tynedale, the Northumberland FA and local Councillors should not go unrecognised in this respect. All the people who have worked hard behind the scenes on this project will be rewarded by the fact that they have helped secure a fit for purpose football facility for junior and youth football serving the local community for the foreseeable future. The players and parents of all current Hexham FC team members should take pride in the fact that their own fundraising efforts have contributed to the enablement of this vision. As a local football club we have been particularly impressed by the advice offered by the Northumberland FA along with the guidance provided by the regional FA representatives. It's been a tough slog, well worth it, but the real work starts soon"
Tynedale Council has agreed to contribute £200,000 to the scheme, and has allocated a further £123,517 from its Housing Developers’ Fund for Sport, with approximately £20,000 being raised by Hexham Football Club, together with contributions from Northumberland County Council through its Members’ Local Improvement Scheme. The total project cost is around £810,000.
Cllr Mrs Fiona Hunter, portfolio holder for tourism, leisure and culture at Tynedale Council said: “The Football Foundation funding will now enable a much needed new facility to go ahead, providing increased opportunities for the local community to participate in sport, as well as encouraging health and fitness. It will also benefit children from outside the area through its proximity to the Kingswood outdoor activity centre.”
North Country Leisure (Tynedale) is playing a crucial role in helping with the club’s football development plan, and will support club and activity development through its sports development team. NCL’s chief executive John Maude said: “We are delighted with the award. It will be a great boost for junior football in the area.”
The Football Foundation is dedicated to revitalising the grass roots of the game, constructing modern football facilities, developing football as a force for social cohesion and as a vehicle for education in communities throughout the country. Funded by the Premier League, The Football Association and the Government, the Football Foundation is the nation’s largest sports charity with a £45m budget going straight into the heart of football.
Paul Thorogood, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation said: “We warmly congratulate the club and the Northumberland County FA for their hard work and dedication in securing this award.
“Sport is playing a central role in helping people to stay fit, strengthen communities and promote responsibility amongst young people. I am delighted that Football Foundation investment is opening up access to sport in Hexham and encourage other organisations in the region to apply to us.”
Alan Wright, President of Northumberland Football Association added: “We work hard as a county football association to get better facilities for clubs and are delighted to see further opportunities for young players coming to the west division.”
Tynedale Council will sub lease the development site from outdoor activity operators Kingswood, who are responsible for the overall management of the site.
Mervyn Turner development manager from Kingswood added: “Kingswood are delighted to be working with the Council in the delivery of this important sports facility for the benefit of the local community. Co-locating the junior football pitches next to our newly refurbished Dukeshouse Wood centre will ensure the pitches are of the benefit of the whole community for many years to come"
Work is expected to start in September 2008, with the new facilities available for the 2009/10 season.
By Autumn 2009 the football facility at DukesHouse Wood will cater for upwards of 220 young footballers, increasing to over 250 by 2012, comprising players of all ages and abilities drawn from Hexham and the surrounding areas.
(From Tynedale Council Press Release)
Four new Level One Coaches
Three more coaches have recently taken and passed the FA Level One coaching badge.
Clifford Graham, Colin Fairles and Martin Lowes all successfully completed the course. Ian Charlton unfortunately had to miss his final assessment due to being on duty for the u11 West Division Cup final. But he will be taking his assessment in late June. All the coaches took the course at Corbridge FC under the guidance of Mark Woodall from the Northumberland FA which involved all aspects of the game. From coaching to first aid and child protection.Also recently qualified is Jamie Mcnamee who took his course at Haydon Bridge High School. Jamie will be coaching next's years under 9 team
Well done to you all.
Thanks to the Procter & Gamble Employees Charity Fund for a donation of £200 which will go towards equipment at Dukes House.
FA Charter Standard
Some of our parents may not know what the Charter Standard is that we all hold so dear to our heart. This was born some years ago and it was created to raise the standards of all grass roots football. There are different levels of the award and currently we are on the Development Club stage. Only one better award to receive and that is the Community Club Award, this is in our development plan to be reached in 2012.
Chairman Terry Graham receiving the award from Mark Woodhall November 2005
We will be letting everyone know of our progress as time goes on. In the past few seasons this has become a major part of the scene in grassroots teams and from next season they require all the teams they have competing in their leagues must have achieved a Charter Standard award. This will make them one of the first Charter Standard Leagues in the country. A vital part of the award is that each team must have at least one coach who has achieved a FA Level One award, this involves 8 to 10 sessions with qualified trainers and coaches learning about all aspects of the game. Also in this course there is a basic first aid qualification and a Child Protection Course. As well as this every member is checked by the Criminal Records Bureau. So as you can see a lot of work is put into the Club by all its coaches and officials. at the moment we have four coaches nearing the end of the latest course and although it has been hard work it has been enjoyable
Many other coaches have the level Two award and some have even progressed to UEFA qualifications. There are other parts of the Charter Standard which we will explain at alater date. But if you have any question, we will try to answer at the drop in open night at the Wentwrth LC on May 6th
50 Years ago
Hexham Hearts
Reported in this week’s Hexham Courant 25 Jan 2008 in the Looking Back section.
Last Rites
A meeting was scheduled to take place to confirm the extinction of Hexham Hearts Football Club. A Three month battle to find new committee members and new funds was in vain.
Our illustrious predecessors had a fantastic run of success in the years after the war. The Won the Northern Alliance Championship in the first season after the war 1947/48 but failed to complete the double that year losing in the cup final v Ashington. The Hearts were runners up in the Challenge Cup final not long after that in 1949/50 when Cramlington Welfare were our conquerors. But the cup did not evade the Hearts for much longer as 1951/52 they brought the Cup to the town after beating Newburn in the final , we think the final was played at St James Park , Newcastle.
Going further back a Hexham Town won the Northern Alliance in 19365/36, any links with the Hearts is unknown. An body with any information or pictures on any of our predecessors the Club would be grateful as we hope to have a section on our site soon with the history of football in the Town
Check out the Whats on page soon for news of the fantastic auction items and raffle prizes for the night at the Function Suite at Hexham Mart 15th 2008
From Monday 10th September the club has a direct new email address. Please use this address to report scores/queries/website updates or news that would be of interest to the Club's ever growing website viewers.
This can also be used in strict confidence to report any child protection issues which any club member would like investigating. This will be dealt with the Club's management committee and if required the Northumberland FA and relevant authorities. This we feel is an important step forward as a Charter Standard Club. Remember at all times you can bring any issue to the attention of your coach.
NABC Rule regarding the size of the Match Ball (Rule 8)
Please Remember ALL COUNTERFOILS must be taken to every game and offerered to your opponents.
If not Fine & Points deduction
Under 11,12,13,14 Size 4
Under 15,16 & 17 Size 5
29 Sep 08
We are awaiting clarification on the new rule brought in this season from the FA. It seams that the new law was brought in to late as many clubs have already purchased the match balls for season 2008/09. So at u14 level it could be either.
DUKES HOUSE DEVELOPMENT
Read Brian Tilley's full report on the Dukes House Page
03 August 2007
To clear up any query regarding the size of goals we should be using. We have contacted the NABC & NFA, & according to them.Under 11 to 14 should have 21 x 7 ft post,s . 15's and above can use full size post's (8 x 24). These are recommendations only. A "post" has been place on the NABC forum to explain.
The season may be only 2/3 completed and the World Cup in South Africa in the distance, the club have to start looking towards 2010-11 season. So next Wednesday 17th March we are looking to start the training for next seasons under 8 squad. So any boy or girl who is 7 years old on the 31 August can turn up at the Wentworth Leisure Centre at 6pm and see how they get on, the first session will last about one hour. At this age group we like to form two mini soccer squads with 12/14 in each so there are plenty spaces to fill. Once the squads are formed they will play in the Tynedale or Newcastle mini soccer Leagues on a Saturday or Sunday morning and be part of Hexham Football Club. If you would like any more details on the mini soccer section or any section of the club please contact Malcolm Reah (Junior Development) or please use the contact us page on this website.
Statement from NABC regarding Easter Fixtures 2010
Just a thank you to you all for the massive suprise
The Club has a new team this season and it’s the girls under 12 side who will taking to the pitch very soon in the Northumberland Girls League at Cramlington. The team play in a seven a side competition against some of the best female footballers in the county. A new squad means we have to find a new sponsor and Alan & Liz Birchall who own A2B private Hire Taxis stepped in to sponsor the group. Pictured with some of the squad are Alan & Liz with team coach Nicola Davey in the centre of the back row. A2B are a local firm who operate with two six seater vehicles throughout our area, the club is delighted to welcome them as team sponsors and look forward to the girls driving on to success.
Picture shows some of our under 12 squad crossing the Millennium Bridge on Saturday during the Junior Great North Run. All togeather ten members of the squad completed the run well done to you all. Pleased you had some energy left for the match on Sunday
The waiting is almost over, the dawning of a new era is about to begin for Hexham Football club. The proposed new development of two pitches and a training area with changing facilities at Dukeshouse Wood is about to get the green light. The last few legal details are about to be completed and very soon the heavy trucks and diggers will begin to level the site for the construction of the pitches.
The senior team had their presentation recently at Mr Ant’s Bar (senior team sponsor) and there was a room full of the squad to hear who had won the awards this year. After Karen (Bar Manager) had kindly fed the squad she also agreed to present the main awards.
With the summer transfer merry ground hitting the heights it’s not surprising that the majority of people assume that football is awash with ready cash. Nothing could be further from the truth and at grassroots level this is very evident, where clubs like Hexham FC are reliant on player subs and generous local sponsors. Imagine what it must be like trying to raise funds for playing kit in the West African country of Gambia. This republic is the smallest country in the continent of Africa and is bordered to the North, East and South by Senegal and to the West by almost fifty miles of Atlantic coastline. The country itself almost mirrors the meandering Gambia River and at its widest point is only thirty miles across. Almost a third of its population earns below the international poverty line which is 1.25 US$, so the big money of the Premiership must seem like a completely different world to them. But Hexham Football Club has been able to assist them in a small way. After a Hexham lady, Theresa Brolly had a conversation with a couple of our coaches, she enquired what happens to our old strips when children have grown out of them and moved up.
Her nephew Phil and his wife Jeanette have a small holiday property in a small village near Serra Kundi in Gambia. In the past they had taken out unwanted toys, books and games for some of the local people who needed some help, this was a great way of building good relations in the country and they thought the locals could do with some new kit when they play at the neighbouring town of Wellingra . The coaches Terry Graham and Les Gibson mentioned this at a Club meeting and it was agreed we would look to see if we had any old kit which was just collecting dust and could be put to good use.
They soon collected some of our green and white kit and Theresa packaged it and sent it off with her family on their next trip over there. This week Theresa gave us some photographs to show how much the children and students of the village have appreciated the playing kit and how they are being put our old strips to good use. From the photo’s you can see the pitches are a little dry and sandy but as the climate is tropical at least they got a game before the rain came
We hope soon to be able to collect some more to send out to Theresa’s family and if anybody has playing kit of any kind which they longer need please let the Club have it and we will pass it on. It does not have to be a full set of strips even one will benefit someone. So when you are buying next seasons colours just think of the help you can give a young person in Africa with your old one. Any contribution can be donated to any club official
Match report on girls page.
NABC League Cup Success for Under 14's !!! 
This Sunday 26th John is running the London marathon 
The ex Hexham Juniors player Shaun Vipond has had a terrible slice of bad luck recently by breaking his collar bone in a pre season friendly for his new club Ostersund. Shaun who was an apprentice at Carlisle United before earning a two year contract with the Cumbrian club had made a good start with the Swedish outfit and had played four games before the injury struck. It was only twenty minutes into the game with Norwegian club Byasen when after a tackle his opponent fell on him and this resulted in the break.
Paul Dixon's Non-League Column 
The town is not noted as a hotbed of soccer, but in Doug Robson and Terry Graham, there are two people determined to put Hexham on the football map. Robson who is the club secretary and Graham who is both chairman and manager of the first team have built the club up from nothing in a short space of time. And Saturday’s excellent win over Shankhouse in the Northern Alliance League Cup quarter finals is proof that the club is heading in the right direction and just reward for their efforts.
On an individual front Aidan Harbottle from last year’s under 13 Whites was nominated also. Aidan has played for the Club since he was in the under 9 squad. In the early days this team struggled to keep pace with other teams of their age group. As the seasons have gone by the team has got better and better and some of this improvement has been down to Aidan and his goal scoring exploits. The season before last the team won the Coast Colts League and in the season just gone 2007/08 Aidan hit the net 70 times, this time in the NABC. This season up to October another 12 have gone past bemused goalkeepers. His all time goal haul now stands at 240. In season 2006 / 07 Aidan received the player of the season award from the Coast Colts League.
Also to receive a certificate was Senior team goal keeper Sean Heads, he may claim that is exploits between the sticks had a bearing on this award but surely his performances on the golf course earned him the nomination for Sportsman of the Year. Sean never missed a match for Northumberland County Golf team last season and was captain of the English Universities team. 
Four new Level One Coaches 
50 Years ago
