Newton Aycliffe FC recently invited the under 8s and Under 9s teams from Newton Aycliffe Juniors FC to an evening of fun and professional coaching at their home ground Moore Lane Park.
Aycliffe managers Dan Mellanby and Deano Browne have been working in partnership with the chairman of Aycliffe Juniors, Nige Slatcher, to forge greater links between the junior football club and the town’s Northern League team.
The evening was attended by 25 young local footballers who from the moment they arrived were made to feel like professionals.
They attended a briefing in the home changing rooms before moving out to the floodlit pitch at Moore Lane for a range of warm-up games, small sided matches, football related games and professional coaching.
Dan and Deano were supported by four of the first team players who had also agreed to give up their time to invest back into the local junior teams.
“The quality of the coaching was fantastic and the kids, whilst enjoying themselves, were able to develop their skills during the 90-minute session,” said Slatcher.
“All of the parents who were spectating commented on how well the session was organised and delivered.”
At the end of the session NAFC kindly awarded each of the junior players with an individual medal as well as trophies for two of the kids for ‘performance of the night’.
“We’d like to extend our thanks and appreciation to NAFC for this amazing opportunity for our children,” added Slatcher.
“Their vision and determination to strengthen the links with our club as well as provide an opportunity for progression from junior football to the adult Northern League is a welcome ‘breath of fresh air’.
“The clubs look forward to working together in the future as sessions for older age groups are being planned.”