FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
After almost a decade of partnership, New College Durham (NCD) celebrated its long-standing sponsorship of Birtley Town Football Club Under-18s as the team concluded its final season together.
Competing in the Russell Foster Youth League Division 4, Birtley Town Under-18s earned an impressive runners-up position in their final campaign, marking a fitting end to a team that had built a strong reputation both on and off the pitch. Throughout its existence, the squad provided young people from across the region with opportunities to develop their footballing ability, teamwork, confidence and wellbeing.
Over the course of nearly ten years, the sponsorship strengthened the close relationship between the club and NCD. The partnership reflected a shared commitment to supporting young people through sport, education and personal development, while also creating pathways into further education and football development opportunities.
During the sponsorship period, the college continued to invest heavily in sport and community facilities, including the recent completion of its £4 million sports development project and the opening of a new 4G pitch, providing year-round access to high-quality training facilities for local schools, clubs and community groups.
Rei Khan, Marketing Manager at New College Durham, said:
"For almost a decade, it has been a privilege to support Birtley Town Under-18s and witness the positive impact the club has had on so many young people. Throughout the partnership, the players, coaches, volunteers and families consistently demonstrated dedication, ambition and a genuine passion for grassroots football.
"While it is sad to see the Under-18s team conclude its journey, we are incredibly proud of what the squad achieved this season by finishing as league runners-up. The partnership has reflected many of the values we champion at New College Durham, including teamwork, aspiration, inclusion and personal development.
"We look back on the relationship with great pride and wish all of the players every success in their future careers, whether in football, education or employment."
Throughout the years, Birtley Town Under-18s competed across the North East, travelling everywhere between Middlesbrough to Berwick for league and cup fixtures and participating in national competitions. The New College Durham-sponsored kits and training wear became a familiar sight across league websites, social media channels and football grounds throughout the region.
The partnership also extended beyond football. Several members of the squad regularly participated in the Junior Great North Run, proudly representing both Birtley Town and New College Durham while promoting healthy lifestyles and community engagement.
Speaking on behalf of Birtley Town Under-18s, Dean Boyle said:
"The support provided by New College Durham over the past seasons has been invaluable and has become a significant part of our club's story. The sponsorship helped provide our players with high-quality kits and training wear, while also giving them a real sense of pride every time they represented the club.
"We are especially proud that our final Under-18s squad finished the season as league runners-up, which was a tremendous achievement and a testament to the commitment shown by the players and coaching staff.
"Our relationship with the College has grown year after year. Several former players have gone on to study at New College Durham, while others have progressed through the Football Development Centre. We are extremely grateful for everything the College has done to support the team over the years."
As the final chapter closed on Birtley Town's Under-18s side, the partnership stood as a lasting example of how education and grassroots sport can work together to create opportunities, inspire ambition and support young people to achieve their potential both on and off the pitch.