Author: Martyn Tweddle

NEW SIGNING | Michael Sweet on loan from Blyth Spartans

Michael Sweet has joined on loan until the end of the season from National North side Blyth Spartans.

Sweet has led the Spartans attack regularly this term with 30 appearances to his name with a goal return of five. He signed for Blyth Spartans in the summer after scoring 128 goals in four seasons at Consett AFC. 

We are delighted to secure Michael for the rest of the season to help with our promotion push. He’s a proven goalscorer at this level and will go straight into the squad for our game against Seaham Red Star on Saturday (Subject to League Registration).

We would like to thank Blyth Spartans for their co-operation in making this deal happen.

Supporters Club Meeting with David Dent

On Friday 21st February in the Blue Diamond Social Club, Shildon AFC Chairman David Dent, Director Alan Boddy & New Academy Director Darren Tait, will address fans on the current situation on and off the field as well as providing an insight into what will be required should the club gain automatic promotion from the Northern League.

Anyone interest in going along, whether a current supporters club member or just interested in learning about the future plans for the club are requested to arrive by 6:50 for a 7pm start.

The supporters club meeting will be held immediately after.

 

Shildon AFC Supporters Club away travel.

The Supporters Club are now taking bookings for all the remaining away games for this season. They are :

22-Feb Seaham Red Star v Shildon 3:00 PM
07-Mar Hebburn Town v Shildon 3:00 PM
14-Mar Sunderland RCA v Shildon 3:00 PM
07-Apr Consett v Shildon 7:30 PM
11-Apr Newcastle Benfield v Shildon 3:00 PM

If you would like to travel to any or all of these games, please get in touch with Paul Mulley asap to secure your seat.

New Elite Football Academy

King James I Academy, Bishop Juniors FC and Shildon AFC have signed a partnership agreement which aims to  provide opportunities for young people, not only in education and football but also providing apprenticeship opportunities in the travel industry. Students will have the opportunity to pursue their academic and sporting interests through unrivalled academic pathways to a variety of Universities and into training and employment. 

Shildon AFC, who have aspirations for promotion to the Northern Premier League, will become official partners of Bishop Juniors. That, when combined with their own Development Centre, will see over 350 young people associated with the Club. The creation of a very real pathway from Bishop Juniors to the First Team is in place, with two of Bishop Juniors Under 17’s already making First Team debuts this season.

Shildon AFC’s official training facilities are now located at King James I Academy where they have access to strength and conditioning suites, classrooms, football pitches and the superb 3G pitch. 

The partnership agreement is a long term commitment and it will see the development and growth of a post-16 Football Academy where scholars can take advantage of day to day coaching from ex-Northern League players and coaches, strength and conditioning, video analysis and the opportunity to train with the First Team. The partnership will also see the formation of a Reserve side for Shildon and the development of facilities at both King James and at Dean Street.

David Dent, Chairman of Shildon AFC said, “This is a really exciting partnership which gives the Club access to a unique Junior set up whose emphasis is very much on player development delivered by UEFA B Coaches. It also allows us to put in place very real player pathways and we have already seen Bishop Juniors players join our First Team squad. King James I Academy provides us with not only a first class training base, but also a Football Academy that will provide talented young footballers with the opportunity to be part of the First Team and Reserve Teams that we are planning to create. It’s not just about football; our partnership with Hays Travel and our plans for a Travel Academy based at King James will provide young people with guaranteed interviews with Hays and the opportunity to develop their career with the fastest growing independent operator within the travel industry.“ 

Nick Grieveson, Head Teacher from King James I Academy said, “We welcome the opportunity to be able to work in partnership with Shildon AFC, Hays Travel and Bishop Juniors in order to provide our students with even more exciting, educational opportunities. We very much appreciate the support provided by two high profile clubs and by Hays Travel. Students now have the opportunity to develop their careers in football and travel and to pursue their ambitions from a young age. I am sure that our partnership will help to support the next generation of young people on their way to successful futures in two growing industries with organisations that epitomise the best of the North East.”

Darren Tait, Club Secretary and Football Development Officer for Bishop Juniors FC said, ‘’We have had a very close working relationship with King James I Academy for over four years now, and this has been extremely beneficial for both parties. The opportunity to further develop with this new partnership with Shildon AFC is really exciting for us all. After our first conversation I was very impressed with the Shildon Chairman and his ambition, but more importantly, the genuine plans he has in place at the Club. We are hoping that the planned formation of our adult team, which will serve as a Shildon Reserve Team, will also offer young players a realistic pathway into adult football.’’