Welcome to my blog covering clubs and stadiums in the English League System along with the wonderful people responsible for keeping them going and their maintenance.

Since I was a little lad I've been fascinated in football and more so where games are played. With my love of travel and curiosity of the game I wanted to visit as many grounds and see games wherever possible.

I was fortunate that my Dad also loved the game and spent so much of his spare time taking me to matches. As I got older the boundaries widened owing to my location and increased wages to Europe and indeed the world. The sight of a stand or a floodlight pylon in the distance immediately heightens my senses and eagerness for a closer look.

I hope this site gives you the chance to share in my pleasure and experiences and maybe one day set you on the road to adventure. If you get half as much out of the hobby as I've done, I can guarantee some great memories, good friends and stories to pass on to future generations.

Give your local club a try today. They'll be delighted to see you!

Everlasting thanks primarily to my late and very much missed and dearly loved parents; my Dad, Bob Bernard and my Mum; Ann, who put up with endless years of football chat and my brothers Nick and Paul who gave me the chance and encouragement to do what I have. Thanks to all my friends who offer encouragement and Sally and Stan who inspire and give me great pride. Stan is showing a keen interest in my hobby as he grows into a young man!

Please feel free to post any comments (please use sensible language - I want everyone to be able to enjoy reading) or ask any questions relating to visiting grounds or events. If you want to see any ground reviewed please let me know. It will take quite some time for everywhere to appear, but make sure you keep having a look as the site is continually updated.

If you click on a lot of the pictures you will get a larger version on your screen.

I have also added links to video clips on YouTube where appropriate for those of you who are bored of reading or are filling in time at work. I haven't always gone for the most obvious choices, but items that will be in some cases unusual but always historically interesting.

Click here to see Volume Two of HAOTW, which covers everything non English.

Rob Bernard

London

May 2020

Friday 14 September 2018

Northumberland FA


The Northumberland Football Association was formed on May 11th 1883 at a meeting at the Alexandra Hotel in Newcastle having broken away from the Durham & Northumberland FA, which had been formed in 1879.


The association’s first secretary was Aleck Peters, with the Lord Bishop of Newcastle becoming the County FA’s first President. The major clubs of the day were Tyne Association, Newcastle Rangers, Newcastle East End and Newcastle West End.


The Northumberland Senior Cup was first played for in 1884, with Tyne FC lifting the trophy in the inaugural competition.

The Northumberland FA became a limited company around the turn of the millennium before moving into impressive new premises at Whitley Park in Benton in 2001, which included several pitches and a cricket ground along with the Blue Flames Club.


West Allotment Celtic FC became tenants at Whitley Park upon its opening, before leaving owing to a rent increase in 2016. The venue was then used increasingly by Newcastle United's age group sides, including the Under 23's. 


My visit

Saturday 3rd October 2008


During a short break on Tyneside I visited Whitley Park; which was West Allotment Celtic’s home of the time. I was on my way to Esh Winning v Scarborough after some heavy groundhopping the day before. I had left my less than sumptuous B&B in Whitley Bay, ready to visit five more venues.


Alighting from the metro at Benton station, I made the short walk to Whitley Road where I found the car park and entrance to the complex. A junior team was meeting there for a game elsewhere, so I got a few hello's as they probably thought I worked there.

I found an open gate and walked into the ground to find quite an impressive venue. I was on top of a grass bank looking down to a path by the pitch side fence. At the top of the bank was one small covered shelter.


Further along was two small seated stands separated by the players tunnel before some steps led down to the pitch, meaning spectators can get an excellent elevated view of proceedings.

A path and grass standing were behind the goal to the left while just an expanse of grass stood on the other two sides with more pitches. Lots of buildings containing offices, sports facilities and changing rooms were behind the stands on top of the bank. All the pitches looked in immaculate condition.


As I left I wondered just how some clubs and grounds seem to be held to ransom by the stringent ground graders while some get away with it. Whitley Park was very neat and tidy but I was under the impression that hard standing was required more than was in evidence here.

Then I looked behind me and saw a sign that may have given the game away. Whitley Park was home to the Northumberland FA after all!









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