It was just over three months ago that North Shields learned that one of its most cherished local institutions was on the brink of collapse, a revelation which undoubtedly caused us all to feel collective extreme concern and unease. The meeting at the Robin’s Nest with supporters was tense. Confusion was rife. Tension was palpable.
What followed that meeting may well have been the turning point. NSFC stepped up, acting swiftly to implement some changes. Supporters observed more proactivity from the club after the meeting than we had experienced for some time. These welcome changes didn’t mean we were out of the woods though. Far from it.
The other item of change was that NSFC supporters self-organized for the very first time. An independent and voluntary, member-based and democratic supporters association was formed. That was a crucial moment and turning point in the saga of North Shields’ possible demise.
In mere weeks committed fans went from observers of a disaster to preventers of a tragedy. An interim committee was drawn together, consultation held with the Football Supporters Association, and ultimately a launch was initiated and a first meeting booked with NSFC’s committee and INSSA.
And how far we’ve come in that brief time. A relationship has been forged between the two groups, and although it’s in its very early stages, already it’s yielding progress for our club. Our mission statement is being fulfilled. We have over two hundred members, we’ve raised thousands of pounds, we’ve planned numerous fundraising events, we have our own council-licensed weekly raffle, and on bank holiday Monday we will work in partnership with NSFC to make our club’s derby a great day for supporters and families of our community in North Shields.
None of this has been without challenges or difficulties. Our committee members are balancing their INSSA responsibilities with caring, family, work and other priorities. There have been unhelpful rumours, gossiping, and at times even blatant disrespect from a tiny minority. None of this has discouraged us though. INSSA is moving from strength to strength.
In the coming months our members will be able to enjoy a football talk-in featuring ’70s NUFC stars, a Euros viewing event and barbecue, discos, away game travel at discounted rates, an apparel offer, our raffle, and lineup of further events to come for the 2024-25 season.
The loss of any athletic club leaves a deep wound in the heart of a community. Sport instills discipline, fair play, and respect. It bonds children to their wider town and gives them a pastime to plan for and look forward to. Local football in particular provides excitement and an affordable alternative to the boredom of viewing matches on television.
Ensuring the survival of NSFC is to ensure the survival of our community. INSSA and North Shields FC look forward to welcoming as many of you as possible to the match on Monday. Bring your families, your friends and neighbours. Invite someone who has never been before. Invite someone who may struggle with social isolation or loneliness. We emerged from the pandemic starved for our game. It’s back, and we need to seize it together and make certain that we never lose it.
Thank you to all of INSSA’s members for your continuing support
William Jarrett
Interim chair