Welcome to Through the Turnstile, the website which like to shine the light on Non-League clubs, this time we are taking a trip to the South Bank of the River Tyne, as we look at a club which finds itself nestled between the two long standing rivals Newcastle and Sunderland, Hebburn Town.

This is a club feature I am really excited to get stuck into, so hopefully I can do the club justice as I look to let you all peek inside this wonderful team!

A brief history of the club.

Hebburn’s transformation from a rural hamlet to an industrial town was well underway by 1912, driven by collieries and shipyards. Around that time, French engineer Alphonse Reyrolle founded an engineering works in a former dye factory, which grew from 50 employees to a peak of 12,000, exporting to 70 countries. Reyrolle’s influence extended beyond industry—he promoted sports among workers and helped form a football team, with support from Sir Ralph Carr-Ellison, a local mine owner who provided a pitch still in use today.

Football became central to the town’s identity, offering respite from industrial hardships. Before 1912, Hebburn had several clubs, including Hebburn Argyle (est. 1882). The town, rich in Scottish heritage, even hosted Highland games and had Shinty and Curling clubs.

Reyrolle’s team joined the Jarrow and District Junior League in 1912, rising to success in the 1930s and beyond, including a wartime Durham Challenge Cup win in 1943. They later spent decades in the Wearside League, winning trophies in the 1960s. Following the company’s closure in 1988, the club was renamed Hebburn and joined the Northern League in 1989. They saw fluctuating fortunes, including promotions, relegations, and cup wins like the Craven Cup in 2000.

A turning point came in the 2010s with a revived squad under Scott Oliver. After promotions and notable FA Vase and FA Cup runs, including record home attendances, Hebburn won the 2020 FA Vase Final at Wembley in 2021. Under new manager Daniel Moore, Hebburn achieved its best league finish ever in 2022/23 and won the Durham Challenge Cup for the first time in 31 years, cementing its status as a resilient and evolving football club deeply embedded in community history.

(Source: https://www.hebburntownfc.com/a/club-history-62533.html)

Club legend (as told by fan Steve Lundell )

Vin Pearson

Got to be current Chairman Vin Pearson. Pretty much done every job there is at the club. Played, Coached, Managed and now is club chairman. To top it all off he’s a top bloke and has all of the time in the world for everyone. He’s a great example for others at this level to follow. He has time for everyone, he’s a fantastic figurehead for the club and a great role model for the current squad.

Robbie Spence

Would be Robbie Spence, shame to see him leave the club in the summer – but that’s how football goes sometimes. Robbie was a fantastic servant to the club over the course of 8 transformational seasons. He was with us in the Northern League, when we were appealing for help to keep the club alive, right the way through to winning the FA Vase and being a major part of us getting into the NPL Premier division, chipping in with some cracking goals along the way. One moment I always remember which really shows his character was when he played alongside Dylan Archer who would have been 17/18 at the time and was just breaking into the first team squad. One of the opposition saw Dylan as an easy target and tried to start some agro with him. Robbie spotted it and was straight over to stick up and support Dylan. He’s one of those players who you know would have everyone’s back, and as opposition someone you wouldn’t want closing you down for a 50/50.

Kit

2024 /2025 Replica Kit – £30

https://hebburntownfc.mysportswear.co.uk/product/hebburn-town-fc-home-shirt-24-25-replica/

Stadium info

Hebburn Sports Ground (NE31 1UN)
Capacity – 1500 ( 500💺)
Number of stands – 4 (3 seated)
Grass Pitch

Entry Price

Matchday Tickets

Adults: £10
Concessions: £8
Child (12-16): £2
Under 12: Free

Season ticket Adult – £170
Season ticket Concession – £140
Season ticket Under 16 – £20

Matchday Programme
£3 Printed

Something which I am surprised more clubs haven’t adopted is programme subscriptions, well Hebburn Town do!

£60 for 21 copies (league programmes only). Two options will be available, your programme can either be kept to one side for collection at each game or posted to you anywhere in the UK for an additional £1.50 per copy, meaning that Hebburn exiles can now easily get their hands on a copy.

Stadium Shop

Well whilst there is currently no physical shop inside the stadium, you can buy pin badges at the ground, all other items are sold solely online through the clubs official Macron club shop.

https://hebburntownfc.mysportswear.co.uk

The selection of goods is vast and with plans in place to have a physical store inside the stadium the hope is that the club will then be able to offer a more straightforward way for fans in picking up some of the merchandise they want. The club would also then be able to keep more of the profits, as I know that third party sites do generally look to take a % for each one sold.

NOW, it is time for pin badge corner and here we have the offering from Hebburn Town!

Price – £3

Special Mention – Community Projects

On the 19th May the club announced a plethora of upcoming changes that will benefit the local community massively, here is a quick overview of what those changes look like:

Pitches
The Club plans to replace both the main and training grass pitches with state-of-the-art 4G surfaces, reducing postponements and enabling all-weather, all-format football. This will expand community access and usage by both Club teams and external groups.

New South Stand
A new South Stand will be built between the pitches, featuring modern changing rooms, offices, a gym, club shop, and a flexible function room. This space will serve as a hospitality suite on match days and as classrooms for the Club’s academy during the week.

New Community Building
The current changing rooms will be redeveloped into a community hub offering refreshments, shelter, and flexible event and activity space, supporting local groups and indoor sports such as badminton, Pilates, and karate.

The Sportsy
The Sportsy Bar will be extended to increase capacity, add a stage for performers, and create a more spacious, family-friendly environment for food, drinks, and live events.

Community Value
Hebburn Town FC currently delivers a £3.1 million annual Positive Social Impact Value to South Tyneside, supporting over 1,000 members and inclusive football pathways. With these developments, this value is projected to rise to £6 million per year.

Is all of this not absolutely every single reason as to why so many of us love Non-League football?

So many incredible initiatives all with the local community firmly front and centre of each and every one of them – an incredible forward thinking approach to making changes that will 100% improve the club as a whole whilst brining along those local along for the ride!

Drinks

The Clubhouse!

Now what a beautiful venue this is, a striking clubhouse located at the corner of the stadium, it has a real modern look and feel to it and its positioning on the corner flag for me adds to the charm.

The balcony area offers a real unique space to sit with a drink whilst offering a beautiful view of the pitch, the investment off the pitch is clear to see as this whole space is really something to be proud of and it is things like this that definitely make people sit up and take notice of the club.

If it helps get people through the gates then it is worth it, I personally love it!

Food

The Food the wonderful and glorious food!

You will not go hungry here and you will also not be disappointed either with what is on offer, as you can see below there are two café hatch options for you serving grab and go food as well as your hot refreshments (tea, coffee, hot chocolate).

The team have performed incredibly well, sitting 3rd in 3/4 of the tables offering some excellent value to fans coming through the turnstiles.

It means anyone coming to a game can grab a pint of alcohol, some burger and chips along with their entry and still have change back from a £20 note, that is absolutely cracking value for money and highlights that fans up and down the country don’t need to charge crazy amounts, the focus should be on providing fans with a all round experience of value, thats exactly what Hebburn Town are doing.

Top 3 current players (as told by fan Matty Duggan )

My top 3 players would Matty Elsdon, Jack Donaghy and Ethan Wood.

I pick Matty and Jack because they had a tremendous first season at this level and they are always consistent so I can see them being another solid unit again for us.

I’ve heard good things about Ethan especially from Newton Aycliffe fans and I think he will be the one to watch for us this season.

Press Play!

Well…the club are exceptionally active and post a real range of videos to populate the channel.

I found the frequency and overall style of the videos to be very enjoyable and allow the clubs fans to really understand and keep up with what is going on at the club whilst allowing them access to regular interviews and some match day highlights.

However the real jewel on the crown for me is their recent 24/25 season review documentary style video. The video is 12 minutes long and I felt like I could have watched more, it has a real cinematic feel to it and is a really well put together video, id highly recommend all fans to have a watch. (link below)

Views from the Staff

Q) What is your role at the club and what does that look like on a day to day basis?

I’m the Chief Executive at the club on a volunteer basis, this means I juggle my day job with supporting the club operate and run as smoothly as it can. In my role I’m responsible for the overall running of the club from Jnrs through to snrs and chairing board meetings with senior leaders across the club.

Q) How did you come about your role?

I’ve been a volunteer within the club for 20years starting as a player for the first team, then a coach in junior club, then moving to chairman of junior club. I was instrumental in the merge of Jnr and Snr clubs back in 2017 and that’s how my role as CEO came about.

Q) What is it that you love about it?

I love supporting young players within the local community, both boys and girls progress. I live the club and helping it progress up the non-league pyramid

Q) What would you say is the hardest part of what you do?

Balancing the time required to support the club with my day job and family life. In reality running this large football club (93 teams) is a full time role in itself.

Q) Why is non-league football so special?

The opportunity to go and watch a game with good honest people, having a pint, a chat in a relaxed atmosphere. No VAR, no pre Madonna’s, all of this cheap and cost effective, that’s what I love about it.

Q) What are your hopes for the upcoming season?

Every year we just want to go better than we did the year before, so for our men’s first team we want to have a top 10 finish in the league.

Q) Why should someone come along for a Hebburn Town game?

We have some of the best facilities at our level in the non-league pyramid, we are a friendly bunch and when spectators visit our ground they always compliment us on how good their experience was

Q) What is your role within the club and how does it look on a matchday?

For three and a half years my role at the club was as a Media Assistant, which included writing and editing the match day programme, writing match reports and other duties including the occasional shift on the public address system.

Q) How did you come to be involved in Hebburn Town?

I’d got into writing match reports from various games as a groundhopper but grew attached to watching my local club and when the opportunity presented itself to get involved, I jumped at the chance.

Q) With such a varied role at the club how do you manage to juggle all of the demands?

Finding the time to fit media duties in with a wife, fours kids and a full time job isn’t easy, which is why I’m currently taking a break from things but I hope to get back involved in the future.

Q) What is it about Hebburn town that you enjoy so much on a matchday?

Hebburn Town has a real community feel to it. It’s great to see all the familiar faces on a match day and it feels good to play a small part in the success of the club.

Q) Why do you feel non-league football is seeing a rise in popularity?

I think we seen a bit of a boom when Sunderland and Newcastle supporters were both a bit disillusioned with their owners and chose non-league football instead, but that’s not the case now and we need to think of different ways of getting people through the turnstiles. Those who do come often comment on the great value for money and the connection to the club and the players as being the major plus points.

Q) Would you recommend someone to come down to a match and if so why?

If you haven’t been along to the club, give it a go, you won’t be disappointed. The facilities are fantastic and the football is a great standard. It’s a fantastic club to feel part of and we’re on a real upward trajectory at the moment.

Q) What first attracted you to the world of photography?

I began by taking photos of my dog on my phone and realised I was actually quite good at it. Unfortunately then my grandma passed away and she left me £50. I made keyrings using the photos I had taken and saved up enough to buy my first camera (Nikon d3400) and I was asked to do some photoshoots in the community with families. I have always played football and thought I’d give football photography a go! 7 years later..here is am haha!

Q) Was sports always on the list for you to cover?

I always wanted to be a football photographer and aspire to be taking photos of premier league one day!

Q) Is there a special reason behind why Hebburn?

I live in Hebburn so it was a no brainer to contact Hebburn Town and ask if I can pop along for experience. I am now into my 4th season as club photographer and I am learning every day. There really is no better people to be around than at Hebburn Town!

Q) What has been your favourite shot to date?

My favourite has to be from last season when the manager scored a last minute equaliser (we still ended up losing the game somehow) Some of the fans threw beer in celebration!

Q) How does it feel to cover a game and people seeing your work?

It is always proud to see my work in print in the local (and at times national) papers. I like it when players use my photos as their profile pictures- means I must be doing a good job!

Q) Why should someone come down and give Hebburn town matchday a go?

Hebburn Town is a club on the up. The ground itself is undergoing major work and is set to be the best in non league over the next few years. Hebburn Town has a real family feel and everyone knows everyone! The supporters are amazing and have followed the club through thick and thin. The sports bar is fantastic and always receives compliments from away fans visiting.

I may be biased but I definitely think Hebburn Town is the best non league club on and off the field. The hard work and dedication by the volunteers is outstanding. There is a clear pathway for youngsters right from the age of 3 years old all the way to the 1st team. If you haven’t been to Hebbun Town- get yourself down there ASAP you won’t be disappointed!

View from the fans

Why Hebburn?

I came to support Hebburn town because I used to live at Hebburn when I was born and I came to support them because my dad went to a few matches when Hebburn was looking for supporters and he told me how different non league football was to professional football.

What do you love about a match day ?

What I love about a match day is going to the matches and having a few drinks and having a laugh and catch up with supporters who you have got a long with other the years and watch a proper game of football.

What does a Saturday mean to you?

The best day of the week. It’s always a nice feeling waking to on a Saturday knowing that Hebburn are playing and when you work through the week it gives you something to look forward to.

Why should someone come and watch Hebburn play?

I get asked this a lot especially friends or supporters off other teams asking what it is like to watch Hebburn and my answer is always its a cheap day out and everyone is very welcoming wether it’s the bar staff, members of the club or management. Good price for food and drink and the football not bad either. Not many club would allow kids to play football near the pitch will adults watch the match.

Q) What do you love about a trip to see Hebburn town play?

You meet people who just love football .

Q) How would you say it differs from experiences you have had elsewhere?

Going to watch Hebburn has everything, good football great stadium and fantastic bar area . Much better than most I’ve been to

Q) Over the years how has it changed?

It’s changed massively over the last 8 years with three new stands and a revamped club house.

Q) Do you have a favourite chant?

Carlo Carlo give us a wave – The goal keeper coach he’s a lovely bloke !

Q) Non-League football is on the rise, why do you think this is?

Non- League gives people a chance to watch local lads playing for the love of the game . It’s much cheaper and you get a chance to meet people from all over the country as there’s no segregation.

Q) Who is the best player you have seen play in a Hebburn towns shirt?

Probably Graham Armstrong, proper player and he came at a time when the club needed him . He was instrumental in us winning the FA vase at Wembley with a wealth of experience.

Q) What first attracted you to support the club?

I was born and bred in Hebburn, used to play around the Sports Club when I was younger so I was always aware of the club. I came to a few games sporadically over the years, but it became more regular in 2016 after I gave up my SAFC season ticket due to family commitments. Then my daughter started to play for the Junior club not too long after, I became involved as a coach and it just became a way of life from then on.

Q) What does a match day look like for you?

Match days for me start between 12:30-13:00, as a club volunteer my match day role will involve operating the scoreboard, making less than adequate ground announcements – there is a job there if someone wants it – and making sure any of the technology we rely on on a match day runs smoothly, Internet, card machines, ticket scanning etc. Come full time, once everything is shutdown and powered off, I’ll usually be found with a pint in my hand.

Q) What is your go to position to watch the game?

My go to position would be at the top corner of the main stand, but my role on match day means you’ll find me in the media tower.

Q) Would you say a match day is good value for money?

I’d say a match day is great value for money. You’d be looking at change from £25 for admission, a programme, a pint and a pie and chips. We have one of if not the best club houses in the league too and it’s all reasonably priced. So it’s very easy to make a day of it and not break the bank.

Q) Why should someone come along and give Hebburn a go?

What should someone come along? Well apart from the excellent value for money and the fantastic clubhouse, the club are currently playing at our highest level in our history, by coming along to the club you literally are a part of history. There are no airs and graces, you can talk and mingle with the players and staff after the game. We can’t always guarantee good football but we try our best – in fact last season Robbie Savage said how much of a challenge we were to play against and we were one of the better sides he faced last season at Macclesfield,. You don’t get much higher praise than that. We make everyone feel welcome, young, old, families or even solo supporters everyone is more than welcome to come along.

Q) What are your hopes for the club in the next 5 years?

In 5 years time, tricky question. Obviously I want the club to continue to be successful, and build on what we have year on year but live within our means and make sure we are sustainable in the process. There are big plans for the club, and the ground in particular, if these come to fruition we’ll be looking at the best facility in non-league football. From a football perspective I’d like to think we could establish at least in the National League North, maybe even National League, with hopefully some good cup runs and a big FA Cup tie.

Q) How long have you been a fan and what first made you go to the games?

I’ve followed Hebburn Town for around 35 years. I first started supporting them because they were my local team and my cousins best mate played in goal for them. I was (and still am) a keen Newcastle United supporter but it was around the time you needed a season ticket to attend St James’ Park so me and my mates would go along to watch Hebburn if we couldn’t get a ticket for the Newcastle match. These days, I’d rather spend my Saturday supporting Hebburn than going up the toon

Q) What does a matchday look like for you?

A match day to me is a real family and friends affair. Both of my kids have played for the junior section of the club and my daughter still does. I take them along and they go off with their mates to either have a kick around on the field or sit in another part of the ground because it’s not cool to stand with your Dad. I meet up with my mates in our usual corner. We have a whinge about the week we’ve just had over a couple of pints before settling in our usual spot in the corner. Pint in one hand we cheer on the lads and tell each other we could still do a job at this level, while munching on pie and chips in the other hand.

Q) Any recommendations for first time visitors?

First time visitors id definitely say get in early and sample the Sportsy. It’s always a great atmosphere in there and you can’t beat a nice pint.

Q) Who has been your favourite player to watch in a Hebburn Town shirt?

’ve seen many greats over the years from Northern League legend and Hebburn lad Paul Chow to more recently Olly Martin banging them in. But I’d say for entertainment my favourite player to watch has been Michael Richardson. He was outstanding for Hebburn Town and scored some belters.

Q) What are your hopes for the upcoming season?

My hopes for upcoming season is playoffs. We had a great start last season but tailed off due to injuries and I think a few teams found us out and we found it to break teams down and kill games off after Christmas. The important thing is to stay in the league but I’d definitely say that the playoffs and possibly promotion via the playoffs is a real possibility.

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Future plans as told by Vin Pearson (Chairman)

Q) What does the 5 year plan for the club look like?

The plan for the club over the next 5 years is to progress all our senior teams to higher levels across the football pyramid, this includes our Men’s first team and reserves, women’s first team, veterans’ teams and disability teams. Whilst ensuring the club is sustainable and has a community inclusion ethos. We also want to develop the facility infrastructure to help meet the clubs ambitions of progressing through the leagues and supporting a greater match day experience.

Q) What are the future plans for:

⁃ Stadium

To develop the stadium to have 2 3G’s to house all our juniors and senior teams for training and matchday games as well as increase the stadium capacity to 5,000 to meet the relevant FA ground criteria for National League Level.

⁃ Academy

      To continue to invest in the academy and have it situated on our site here at Hebburn Sports Ground, thus attracting some of the borough’s top talent who can then through our player pathway progress through the ranks within the club

⁃ Recruitment

      Annually to maintain good quality squads that can maintain the level they play at and progress further. Where possible promoting players through our clubs pathway so they can represent the club at senior level.

⁃ Community projects

To develop a community hub in Hebburn that the club and it’s local community can be proud of, we are more than a football club, we are an integral part of our community and offer a social economic positive outcome value of over £3m per year to South Tyneside through the work we carry out each week. We want to continue this and where possible increase participation and have more chlidren and adults taking part in physical activity at our site.

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Now this was a club feature which was scattered with some sprinklings of really special people and very special ideas and work.

One thing that has stuck with me throughout working on this club feature is just how much the club puts its fans and local community at the forefront of the work they do, not just on a matchday but everyday of the week.

There is a real good feeling around the whole club and I feel it should be on everyone’s list to visit at least once. My guess is thought that if you go to one you will be back for more, whats not to like – affordable football with some excellent facilities and even better people.

A pleasure to highlight this wonderful club.

Until next time!

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Looking for some more Non-League football content?

Grab yourself a copy of the latest edition of Parks to Pitches, a magazine dedicated to Non-League football!

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