By Martin Walker
The Olympic spotlight could fall on Boro this summer with a visit from the Team GB football team – but much could depend on the support Teessiders show for international football when England Under-21s come to town next week.
Former Boro Chief Executive Keith Lamb, a senior FA figure, believes Team GB may not only form their training camp at Rockliffe Park but could also play their one and only Olympic warm-up game at the Riverside Stadium.
With big names such as David Beckham, Ryan Giggs and Gareth Bale reported to be likely squad members, such a game would be certain to be massive attraction locally and nationally as the country goes Olympics crazy.
But first Boro fans and Teessiders must show their support for their country by getting behind the England Under-21 side for their crucial clash with Belgium at the Riverside, with victory clinching a place in the European Championship finals.
Lamb, Chairman of the FA’s Professional Game Board and a member of their main board, insists Boro fans should turn out first and foremost to support an excellent young England squad that is likely to include Boro’s Joe Bennett and Aycliffe resident Jason Steele.
“It’s vital to have a good crowd,” he said. “It’s an important game for the Under-21s because a win will see them qualify for the finals.
“This England team has some tremendously talented players. A lot of these boys will be hoping to be in the full squad after the European Championships and will be hoping to catch the eye, but Belgium are a very strong, physical side so they will be no push-over. It will be a game well worth watching.”
But Lamb, who remains a non-executive Director with Boro, added: “If we get a good turn-out then, in all probability, Rockliffe will have a great chance of being Team GB’s pre-games training camp, with the real possibility of them playing a fixture at the Riverside too.
“We need to show the FA that the people of Teesside and the north-east will support their national side, whether it be England or Great Britain. The more fans we get, the greater the chance of us hosting Team GB for the pre-games match.
“It’s very well priced, it’s a good kick-off time for children to attend without it being a late night for them. Tickets are going very well but everyone would be delighted with a full house.”
■ Aycliffe Today have FIVE pairs of tickets for next week’s U-21 game at the Riverside up for grabs – click here to find out more