One such man is George Vinnerd, who had dedicated over a decade's service to Blyth Town.

Name: George Vinnerd
Age: 69
Occupation: Retired
Lives: Blyth
Role in football: Physio

Story: George has been involved in his grandson’s football team Blyth Town FC for 11 years since the club started out. His grandson Richard was just 12 when the club started and is now 23 in the First Team.

George has been the physio for his grandson’s side for those 11 years and also loves to helps out with the kids’ sides – he says they keep him young.

George used to work in the coal mines and acted as the resident First Aider. He also used to volunteer with St John’s Ambulance, which is why he was a natural choice to be the team physio when his grandson started playing. He’s been on FA First Aid courses and is going on another one soon - he’s keen to keep improving his knowledge about muscle work and strains.

The club has gone from just one team to 24 teams, from boys’ Under-6 to men’s and girls’ U10 to two women’s teams. Blyth Town FC have their own facilities and club house in South Newsam, which are on a 25-year lease from the local authority.

They were the first club in Northumberland to be awarded The FA Charter Standard Community Club Award and they have just been successful in securing a £1 million grant from the Football Foundation to develop the facility.

Football is a family affair too. George’s daughter Sandra is the Club Secretary, his son-in-law Jeff is the First Team Manager and his wife Mary bakes the cakes and pies for the First Team.

George is a dedicated Newcastle United fan and has been a season ticket holder for 42 years. His favourite player is Alan Shearer.