The History of Leam Rangers

Leam Rangers was established in 1993 through the efforts of current Club Secretary Mr Robert Houghton. The site, which is owned by Gateshead Council and which was little more than an overgrown, unkept grassed area, was spotted by 'Rob' and his vision of providing a Youth Football Club with playing fields began: the Council was approached and a lease secured for the site: 'Leam Rangers' was born.

The task in hand was to transform an unattended grazing area into a site fit for training and playing football on, while at the same time providing changing facilities, all without any budget or financial assistance. Over a period of time, through dedication and the giving of many long hours by Rob and other volounteers, this huge task was gradually completed: the site could provide all the necessary facilities, albeit modest, and teams were set up.

Initially,  facilities were basic, and the children had to change in metal containers with no toilet or shower facilities: the same containers can still be seen on site, however they are now used for the storage of goals etc. The next stage of development was to build more appropriate changing facilities, and what are now referred to as the 'small' changing rooms were constructed, again by Rob, who undertook a bricklaying course specifically to be able to do the work himself.

The desire to improve the club and provide more and better facilities for the children still existed, and the decision to expand was taken. A successful application for funding was made to the Football Foundation, and the current Club House and 'large' changing facilities were built, this time by an approved building contactor due to the scale of the project.

The Club now boasts some of the best facilities in the area, and currently provides circa 300 children with the opportunity to participate in football. We currently have over 22 teams, have established a girls section and hope to develop specialised coaching for disabled players in partnership with Gateshead Council.

Thanks to the efforts of Rob, Committee members, Team Managers and numerous volounteers and helpers, not to mention all of the children and their parents, the Club has developed significantly to that of our current proud position.

There will be more 'History' to record here in the not too distant future, as plans are afoot for providing additional facilities to improve Leam Rangers further, all to the benefit of local children and the local community.

Please keep visiting our website to keep up with all new developments at Leam Rangers YFC. We hope to keep everyone informed and up to date with everything thats going on.