Rotary was privileged to welcome Alan Nelson to our club last week and hear him talk passionately about his work with Newton Aycliffe Football Club. He is a past Rotarian, great friend, and a willing volunteer when we need an extra pair of hands. Alan has experience in PR, sales and promotional work and was asked at the beginning of this season to assist with raising the profile of NAFC and he was keen to take on a new project.
He told us that the club was established in 1965 and has had mixed fortunes but then, 13 years ago, they entered the Northern League, only 4 levels below the English Football League. Last season they were champions of the Northern League Division One and therefore promoted to the Northern Premier League, their highest position ever and an achievement indeed for a small club. However, that brings challenges, not least the need to improve facilities such as providing disability and female toilets, improved turnstiles, and increased seating capacity for spectators. Also, the ground is now graded by the F.A. so reaching the standard required is all extra cost. Grants from the Great Aycliffe and Middridge Partnership and DCC is of great assistance but there is more to do.
Major sponsorship has been obtained from Securicorp, EBAC, BTS and Ross & Wright and they are very welcome, but increased sponsorship is required to drive the club’s ambition. Chairman Allan Oliver and Manager Brian Atkinson are striving to build a playing squad that will achieve even more success. Good luck for the future everyone at Newton Aycliffe Football Club. They can be contacted via their very active Facebook page. Check them out.
Alan pictured with Jean, our President.