Dryden Road

The club moved to Dryden Road High School in Gateshead. This made it more accessible to areas such as Deckham, Low Fell and Wrekenton and the clubs popularity increased resultantly. The Club was being run on weeknights in conjunction with the soccer teams which played at the week-end. Despite the name the club is, and always has been open to both sexes. In 1980 the club moved once more to new premises, this time on Chowdene Bank in Low Fell.

Glenbrook House - Chowdene Bank

The building had previously been used by Chowdene Meccano Boys Club but was in a poor condition and required a great deal of work. The premises had been erected in 1872 and were stone built, comprising of 4 medium size rooms and a kitchen. When taking over these premises the club became a voluntary organisation and therefore not eligible for financial help. A great deal of work was done on these premises over the next 15 years, despite its location meaning that it was a prime target for vandals. A grant was obtained for a outdoor 5 a side pitch to be built in the area of wasteland to the rear of the premises and that was completed in 1992. This area was floodlighted soon afterwards. Pool tables were put inside the club and a fitness room was installed for players who required treatment after week-end exertions. Newcastle Breweries installed a non-alcoholic bar in the club room in 1992 and the youth club was regularly being attended by up to 100 youngsters three nights a week. Activities included Subbuteo tournaments, outdoor 5 a side and table tennis and drinks and sweets were available from the bar.

Expansion

During this time the football teams were undergoing unprecedented success and the club grew to include under 12 and under 13 teams as well as all the older age groups. This made the club one of the largest youth football organisations in the country. Numerous league titles were won at different age groups as well as county and regional cup competitions. This has come at a price however as the increased size of the club has resulted in increased costs in hiring pitches and training facilities throughout the winter.

Arson

However the club suffered a disastrous blow in the summer of 1997 when the premises were burnt down by arsonists. Hordes of memorabilia was destroyed and the club was reduced to a state which made continuing activities dangerous and impossible. Whilst insurance would be able to put the club back to the state it was before the fire, there would be no money available for further security and it was decided that it would be uneconomic to carry out the repairs necessary.

As such the club was again looking for permanent premises in the Gateshead area. They have now been found with the utilisation of The Lyndhurst Premises on Beacon Lough Road in Gateshead. 2 changing rooms, 2 full size pitches and 5 mini soccer pitches are on site together with office, tuck shop room, kit room, coaching library, 2 general rooms and boys, girls and disabled toilets. Also present is the specially modified for football gym. The club has a lease of the buildings and the pitches and plays host to regular karate nights, a dance club and also an over 50s club!