Jason Isaacs, ambassador of swing joins forces with the NUWFC
A chance meeting via twitter brought Jason Isaacs, a local swing singer, and Phil Eadon, chairman of the NUWFC together, to raise awareness and appreciation of the talented ladies football team in the Northeast.
Newcastle Women’s FC was formed in 1989 and played competitively, their main local rivals being Cowgate Kestrel’s. In 1996 they played at the World Famous Wembley Stadium prior to the Newcastle United v Manchester United Charity Shield match.
The club has continued to grow in strength and numbers gaining promotion, recognition and awards such as promotion to the Northern Combination League and winning the league cup in 1999 and a thriving youth set up and use of the excellent facilities at University of Northumbria.
Playing in European tournaments and entering the Lloret Cup as well as playing in the MIC in Barcelona against international players from Mexico, Spain and Sweden. Gaining recognition by the Football Association for good practice and coach development and gaining the prestigious FA Charter Standard Award. Winning their first international trophy in 2006 The YES Cup (Year of Exercise and Sport), beating Liverpool, Barcelona and Gateshead Academy. Presented with the League Trophy and NFA Senior Cup in 2005 and in 2006 received Premier League status, finishing a creditable 8th, and reaching the Women’s FA cup quarter finals for the first time ever. Honoured by the Football Association and receiving the Nation-wide Club of the Year Award in London.
In June 2006 the club was renamed Newcastle United Women’s Football Club.
Despite the clubs continued success, they rely heavily on fundraising events and the generosity of sponsors and are a registered charity. The girls have to pay subs to the club each season and the Club has to pay for the use of the ground they use for training as well as their kit out of their funds.
Jason met up with Phil at one of the training games as well as a recent tournament and said he was “blown away at the talent on the field. Jason who plays in a five a side team says “These girls can certainly play a game of football and I wouldn’t like to take any of them on. Their fitness levels are quite amazing and nothing like I expected”
Phil Eadon, chairman of the club, gives his time voluntary as well as most of the coaching staff and other committee members do, says “people have this misconception of women playing football and we need to try and change that. We need to raise awareness of the level of talented women footballers we have in the Northeast”. Most people are shocked and pleasantly surprised at the standard when they come along and watch the girls play”. Phil went on to say “it’s a great family atmosphere, watching the girls play at home, at Northumbria University ground, Coach Lane. The team’s determination and love of the game is inspirational to young girls in the Northeast who aspire to playing the great game of football. The girls are focused and professional in their approach to the game and I cannot praise them enough for their constant commitment and hard work”.
Phil says “The team is talented enough to be in the Super League, but for this to ever happen we need our own ground and stadium” “This is my dream to make this happen for the girls”
Phil stated that he is delighted to have Jason Isaacs on board to join forces with the NUWFC and help raise awareness and much needed funds to keep the club going. Together they have arranged a Summer Swing Fundraising Ball at the Civic Centre in Newcastle on Friday 3 August from 7pm.
Sainsbury’s in Heaton, Newcastle, who has supported the club for many years, is hosting a fashion show on the night, featuring their Gog Wan and Tu range and the girls from the NUWFC will be taking to the catwalk.
Tickets are priced at £25 and include a hot buffet supper. As well as the fashion show, there will be a raffle and auction including a signed shirt from NUFC and special guest appearances.
For tickets, contact Debbie Foster on 07999806754 or visit the web site www.nuwfc.com
Further information on Jason’s web site www.jasonisaacs.co.uk
