Newton Aycliffe Youth football club is run entirely by volunteers, from the chairman to the coaches. The club has a long and successful history providing a community sports service for young people from Aycliffe and the surrounding areas. The volunteers may provide their services free of charge but unfortunately we've yet to find a way of securing all the kit for free!

All of the teams work hard to raise funds to buy everything they need from strips to training equipment. The boys and the parents have done some great work this season and as manager I am really proud of the way we have come together as a team to raise the funds we depend on. But with a set of lads that play hard and never seem to stop growing there's there's always something we need.

Now we're looking forward to next season, but I have to say we're not relishing the idea of those cold Sunday mornings mid winter. With that in mind I want to make sure the lads are warm and dry, waterproof winter coats are a must!

So I've set myself a challenge and I have decided to take part in the Catterick Paras'10, a10 Mile TAB (Technical Advance to Battle). Its a multi terrain endurance event which is the final part of the gruelling P company selection process to get into the British Army's elite Parachute Regiment. It entails completing the 10 mile course carrying a bergen (rucksack) weighing 35lb wearing long trousers and hiking boots. To be selected for the Parachute Regiment the course needs to be completed in 1 Hour 50 minutes, so this is my goal, although I will be happy to just complete the course.

I thought this seemed like a good opportunity for me to raise some money for the squad. I'd really appreciate any donations, thanks in advance for all of your support........Go Eagles!!