National Game Awards: FA Community Club of the Year – Gateshead

The Heed won the FA Community Club of the Year at the 2022 National Game Awards in recognition of the terrific work the club do in their local area.

The National League North champions set up support phone lines during Covid, work closely with local foodbanks, and run walking football sessions as part of a wide range of community programmes.

“It’s brilliant,” said community officer Ben Clark.

 “The hard work that we all do, to get the rewards for it is fantastic. This is for everybody at the club, at the foundation.

This award is for everybody at the club.”

Clark is part of the team at Gateshead that have worked tirelessly to rebuild the club after fi nancial diffi culties three years ago that saw them relegated from the National League.

This season saw the Heed return to the fi fth tier as they won National League North by seven points, but Clark is focused on ensuring the club stays at the heart of their community.

“Three years ago, we nearly didn’t have a club,” said Clark.

“Over the last three years, we’ve worked hard to get the club back out in the community, getting the community involved. We’re very much a community- based football club.

Our supporters have a seat on the board, our local businesses put money into the club – it’s been a hard two years, but it’s been something we’re really proud of.”

The award is wellearned recognition for the work the Tynesiders do, but Clark isn’t prepared to rest on his laurels as the club moves up the football pyramid.

“A few years ago, it was just Newcastle shirts completely but now I come to sessions and there are people with Gateshead shirts,” added Clark.

“It’s hard work but we’re getting the rewards for it now.

“Football is the best game in the world. Especially up in the northeast, they’re football daft and it’s been great for me to see Gateshead shirts when I’m out now.

“It helps when we’ve had success on the pitch as well, I go out in the community, into the schools, football camps. When the club is doing well, it’s easy to promote.

“We want to grow the fanbase and grow our community projects. It’s going to be an exciting time for the fans and one we’re all really looking forward to.”