Following the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) disease which now threatens all our communities, the club has taken the difficult decision to suspend ALL football activities. This decision follows the recommendations of Government to ‘be socially responsible’ and ‘avoid social gatherings’ and is in line with the actions of national and local football associations and football leagues, who have suspended grassroots football. It has also taken into consideration the views of many representatives within the club.

Whickham Fellside YFC is a family club with a long reach into the local community. At the centre of this community is a representation of parents, grandparents, great-grandparents and others with health conditions who are at significant risk from this disease. As a football club we are charged with responsibilities to safeguard our members, not expose them to further risk. Consequently we will not add to that risk and vulnerability by continuing to participate in non-essential activities.  

The decision to suspend all football activities is understandably emotive and has never happened in the 40-year history of the club. The club cannot act against the scientific and medical advice available in the effort to tackle the virus. To act otherwise would be irresponsible, foolish and may do untold damage to the reputation of the club, placing it in an extremely vulnerable position. 

Football activities will resume when it is safe to do so, and with your support the club will recover and again take its place as one of the best supported junior clubs in the North East. But in the meantime I expect all managers, coaches and committee members to continue their positions as great ambassadors for the club and step up to maintain regular contact with you throughout this difficult period.   

For now, I wish you all well. Please take care of one another and we will see you all again in the very near future.

Thank you and best wishes

Dave Nelthorpe – Club Chairman - On behalf of WFYFC Committee