Author: Martyn Tweddle

NPL Partners with Wiseman Lighting

Pictured: NPL chairman Mark Harris (left) with Wiseman Lighting director Harry Riste

The Northern Premier League has a bright future after striking up a deal with Wiseman Lighting to become its official lighting partner.

Wiseman are the leaders in setting new standards in sport lighting and were the first installers of LED sports floodlighting in the UK.

They work with clubs at all levels to deliver projects from inception to completion, including supporting clubs with sustainable and innovative financial solutions.

NPL chairman, Mark Harris, said: “We’ve been looking for a lighting partner for some time. Every year, we do a survey with all of our clubs to find out from them what sort of partnerships would meet the demand and lighting came very high this year.

“We have been looking for the right type of company over the years and we think Wiseman’s is a perfect fit.

“It is beneficial to absolutely everybody. Our clubs benefit from superb service in terms of floodlight inspections, but more important the necessary guidance towards funding availability for LED systems and upgrades.

“From a league perspective, it is a great brand to be involved with and we look forward to growing it over many years.”

The deal was officially launched ahead of Atherton Collieries’ home game with Nantwich Town on Tuesday night, the first league game played under the new lights that Wiseman have installed at the Skuna Stadium.

A number of other NPL clubs have already also made enquiries with the new lighting partners.

Colls chairman, Paul Gregory, said: “Wiseman came recommended by the FA, we knew we needed new lighting and everything moved on quickly. They’ve been an absolutely brilliant company to deal with from start to finish.

“I can’t believe what a difference the new lights have made. Before them it was a bit like watching football through a stocking! I would recommend Wiseman to every club in the football pyramid, they have been a fantastic company to work with, innovative and thoroughly professional.”

Wiseman was established in 2013 by Harry Riste, who has more than 30 years experience in the industry.

They have installed LED floodlights across the football pyramid, as well as in other sports such as rugby, athletics, hockey and tennis.

On the partnership announcement, Harry Riste said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to work with the Northern Premier League who’s ambitions to help and support their member clubs are aligned with our own business aims. The exceptional quality of the LED product we offer alongside our high level of support will allow clubs in the NPL to transition to the latest floodlighting technology with ease.”

For more information, visit the Wiseman Lighting website at www.wisemanlighting.co.uk. You can also follow them on Twitter @wisemanlighting

ENDS

Free Summer Holiday Activities Popular Once Again

Shildon AFC has this week been hosting free summer holiday activities in partnership with Livin, Bishop Auckland & Shildon Area Action Partnership and Shildon Alive.

The programme of activities has once again proved very popular, with all the places on this years scheme fully booked.  The programme was open to boys and girls aged 8-12 years and was packed with fun exercise and the opportunity to train and play football with Shildon AFC, along with a healthy lunch provided by Shildon Alive – all free of charge.

Thursday, (12th August 2021) was the final day of the programme and the children were presented with t-shirts and sweets as a thank-you for taking part.

There were also three children who the course facilitators (led by Christian Taylor and Ben Trotter) felt epitomised the values of the 4 days and were awarded special prizes.  They were:

                   

However all the children taking part should be proud of how they participated in making the programme so enjoyable.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Once again thanks to our partners for their support and to Greggs for the bread provisions.

Welcome Back to Danny Craggs

Shildon AFC are delighted to confirm that midfielder Danny Craggs has re-signed for the club as player/coach.

Danny first signed for Shildon in July 2019, arriving from Consett AFC and made 55 appearances across the 2019/20 and 2020/21 seasons, scoring 18 goals.  Speaking about his return Danny said:

“I have a great relationship with David (Dent), Diane (Dent) and Bobby (Daniel Moore) and everyone associated with Shildon AFC.  David and Bobby didn’t want me to leave in the first place and I was delighted when they asked me to come back, they make me and my family feel so welcome which is a massive thing for me.  I was always comparing other clubs to Shildon when they wanted me to sign for them. When I left it become even more apparent how good a club Shildon is and how well the club is ran. In the 20 years of being in the northern league I have only been in 2 or 3 dressing rooms where everyone gets along and is striving for the same goal and that is the case at Shildon, the lads are fantastic.  Shildon as a club are up there with the best in the north east and I am so glad to be part of it”

“I still feel I can offer something on the pitch, I know I’m not going to be starting every week but hopefully can contribute when I do play and help the lads. Coaching wise I’m there to help Bobby and Huddy (Mark Hudson), whether its to take the warm up or help with training, and if they need my opinion on something I can offer that.”

“I’ve signed for this season as I haven’t got many left!  But I’m sure myself, David and Bobby will have discussions throughout the season to see what will happen after this season. Hopefully I can stay at Shildon once I have finished my playing career.”

Welcome back to Shildon AFC, Danny.