Northern
Northern
Image courtesy of Laurie Eagan
FOOTBALL CLUB
Northern FC is a club targeting promotion in 2019 and it promises to be an exciting second half
of the season. Rugby Club Magazine recently caught up with their President Alan Belford to
find out more about how they have been getting along lately.
Involvement
He told us, “I have been at Northern
since February 1972 when I started
playing rugby for the first time having
never played before, representing
Northern Colts (U19 team). Since then I
have been fortunate to represent every
senior team at the club during the period
when we regularly fielded seven (and
sometimes eight) teams. I had friends
who I played football with who also
played rugby and who brought me
along to training.”
The Role
“My role as President is challenging
as it is a move away from the playing
side and requires me to meet, greet
and entertain the visiting team officials
at home games and be the figurehead
for the club at away games. It is a big
responsibility to project a good image of
Northern FC. I also attend club executive
meetings which has enabled me to have a
greater understanding of the mechanics
of the club which can be daunting at
times.
I also try to be involved more with the
Squash side of the club, having presented
their end of season trophies at their
dinner. I find the most rewarding parts
of being President travelling away with
the 1st team and being entertained by
the opposition presidents, forging new
friendships and renewing acquaintances
in the process.
As a volunteer, I am also the Senior
Player registrar, electronic match
card administrator and get the player
availabilities for the 1st team which is
challenging but also enjoyable alongside
my role as President.”
Atmosphere
“The mood is very good at the club
this season both on and off the pitch.
The senior rugby teams are performing
well, the clubhouse has just had a major
refurbishment of the Terrace Bar, which
is open 7 days a week and has attracted
more people to the club. The function
suite is thriving and the squash club is
doing really well.”
“I’ve been sponsoring the club for well over ten years and do the insurance for the club. I never played but all
mates play down at the club. The team is performing well at the moment and I get to games when I can. I also
go along to the social events that they hold and see a very long and positive association with the club. I wish
them all the best of luck with promotion this year.”
Brian Thompson
www.rugbyclubmag.com
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