10 | Aycliffe Today Business
FOOTBALL CLUB
MEANS BUSINESS
Many businesses and
employees on Aycliffe
Business Park might not know
much about Newton Aycliffe's
very own semi-professional
football club.
Now they want to kick things on again, and
start seriously competing with their more
established non-league neighbours such as
Spennymoor, Shildon, West Auckland and
Bishop.
Nicknamed the Newtonians, and sporting a
club crest which includes elements of the
town's Coat of Arms, Aycliffe FC have already
achieved so much in recent years.
Aycliffe, though, have managed the club on
a shoe-string budget. Of course, a small
handful of firms support the club, with
Finley Structures playing the biggest part in
recent years, erecting a new stand for the
cash-strapped club three years ago. Collins
Seafoods sponsor the home shirts while
Stiller Warehousing and Distribution, to name
a few, have an advertising board.
Just six years ago, Aycliffe were playing in
front of one man and his dog in the local
‘Dog & Duck’ football league.
But with the help and support of many local
businesses, as well as supporters, Aycliffe
have climbed three divisions to reach the
Ebac Northern League first division, just four
promotions from the Football League, and
eight from joining Newcastle United and
Sunderland in the Premier League.
In between, the Newtonians have won
three cup competitions, three league titles,
moved into their picturesque Moore Lane
Park home, broke several records, competed
in – and played host to – the FA Cup, played
in front of 1,000 spectators and hosted
professional opposition in the form of
Darlington and Sunderland.
Manager Allan Oliver and his assistant Gary
Farley remain in their jobs, the committee
which launched the club is still largely intact
and the army of priceless volunteers is
growing season-on-season.
But the club have burning ambitions that will
match that of any business.
After securing their place in the top flight
last season, Aycliffe are currently half-way
through their third consecutive season in the
Northern League top flight - which, by the
way, is the second oldest football league in
the world.
All these clubs enjoy strong business
support, giving them more resources and,
in theory, stronger squads of players.
So much has been achieved, but with more
business support, the possibilities could be
endless.
Spennymoor Town reached the FA Vase
Final last season, with their trip to Wembley
earning them local, regional and national
media coverage.
Extended runs in the FA Cup would also bring
kudos - Northern League clubs have regularly
reached the first round proper of the world's
most famous club competition.
And while Aycliffe have already provided a
club that develops local young footballers,
increased resources would enable them to
do even more.
The club represents the town. MP Phil
Wilson is their official President. They provide
a focal point for many people in the local
community.
It's a football club Newton Aycliffe
can be proud of.