Andy Lamb reports on Norton & Stockton Ancients very successful season, winning the North East League and Durham Cup, plus representing their region in the National Futsal Championships.
Kate Maguire is player/manager of the Futsal side and is taken aback by the team success.
“We just can’t believe it, we’ve had a great season and top it all off we are through to the finals at the Olympic Park.”
“Futsal has comparisons to five a side though its much quicker as you only have 4 seconds to get the back in play and you need a lot of stamina to play it. Standards locally are very good .”
“The whole team are very proud to get to the finals especially as it isn’t our original game – we are just going to go there and do our best”
Becky Stevenson plays for both sides
“The standard of the opposition this season has been tough especially against Hull. It’s been a real team effort mind and we have gained back to back promotion too”
Kate is relishing the chance to face MFC Ladies “The league changes might see a game against them, I don’t think we have ever been in the same league so it will be interesting to see what they play like against us”
Mick Mulligan, Norton’s Manager and Chairman is proud of his team’s achievements
“It’s been an incredible journey and we have always aimed to be as professional as possible at Norton and have other teams look up to us in how we are run.”
“You can’t deny the benefits of the Women’s Super League has had on the game. Players that have been at our club at 14/15 have reached England team and are still in contact.”
“We have always had that friendly rivalry with Middlesbrough but see ourselves as an equal – our pitch benefits from full-time ground staff and is noted on its quality on opposition.”
“Everything we’ve done we’ve done ourselves and I’m lucky that the players i have pay to play as this provides us with the finances to invest in kit. Since gaining promotion, winning the cup and the futsal finals, there’s been a huge uptake of contact locally asking about attending a match, and more importantly looking to support the team”
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