A NEW football team has been launched in Barnard Castle.
Redwell Rangers FC was established just after Christmas and manager Dave Short now has 28 players signed up.
The club trains weekly at Barnard Castle School and has begun playing friendlies, with plans to join either the Darlington Sunday Morning Invitation League or the Wear Valley Sunday Morning League next season.
Mr Short explained that at 35, his playing days were nearing an end and he began the team as a new challenge.
“I know there have been a few teams that had tried and it's not gone right,” he said.
“I thought if I could get a bunch of young lads together, then I could still play.
“It seemed like a good idea at the time – and I am loving it, they are a good bunch of young lads, passionate about playing.”
Mr Short said it was an obvious step to base the club out of the Redwell, where he is among the regulars, and he has been backed by pub’s new landlord Jamie Kidd.
Mr Short said it was early days, but the signs were encouraging.
“We have been training at the county school since Christmas and have started playing friendlies.
“I know what the lads are capable of doing.”
The team began with a 4-2 win away to Catterick Garrison FC and followed that up with a 5-0 win in a return fixture at Teesdale School on Sunday.
“Hopefully we can arrange friendlies with the other local clubs – I know we are becoming the talk of the town,” added Mr Short.
He said the club was hopeful of securing Shaw Bank as its home ground from next season.
“We haven’t decided which league to apply to just yet, but we will also try to enter all the cup games we can,” he added.
Mr Short said he would be interested in hearing from any teams interested in playing a friendly game against Redwell Rangers. Contact him on 07539 798871.
Players interested in joining Redwell Rangers are welcome to go along to the weekly training sessions which take place at 6pm at Barnard Castle School.
The club can also be contacted through Facebook. Search for Redwell Rangers FC.
