Approximately 20 years ago, a large group of friends regularly socialised in the now abandoned Whitburn Lodge public house. The lads ranged from around 19 to 28 and had played at various standards of football over the years.

Paul Douthwaite (Manager) worked at Tilcon Quarry in the village, and arranged a friendly match against a Scottish team in Prestonpans (near Edinburgh), after a haulage driver had visited the quarry and challenged Paul to a game against his Sunday league side. We went up on a coach, full of lads for a day out on Sunday 21st March 1999. We won the game 7-1 and quickly realised we had the makings of a good side.

A couple of weeks passed and Derek Wilson, who many had played for at junior level football and was also a regular at the Lodge, agreed to join and manage us. We joined the Tyne and Wear Business Houses league, with games played Sunday afternoon.

We secured sponsorship from the pub, the quarry and D Parker Haulage. Our team was now official and we played our home games at the New Fields on the outskirts of the village. The team went on to be successful, finishing 3rd in our first season, we had the opportunity to be promoted but Derek refused this knowing we could win the league, which we duly did, in our third season promoted to the 1st division we won the league and cup double. The 4th season was to be our last due to ever increasing family commitments etc.

A number of players continued to ply their trade at various teams throughout the area.

Fast forward to the beginning of 2020. What would turn out to be an horrendous year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, a new era was about to begin.

A number of the old team were either just over 40 or approaching the magic number. We organised a day for two former players birthdays in Newcastle. After a few drinks we were discussing the old days playing for the Lodge. Gavan McMenzie was playing in an over 40's team at the time and between Mark Carter, Michael Kirkley and Lee Pescod we talked about the idea of starting up an over 40's team.

After a few days mulling over the idea, Mark called Michael and discussed the possibility further of trying to get a team together.

The plan was always...

Get as many of the old team back together so we could get fitter in our twilight years, get back together socially and enjoy what we had done so many years ago - playing football again.

Where old players had retired or had work and family commitments, we would need to contact previous team mates from other teams to see if they would be up for it. the feedback from texts, calls and putting the idea out there on social media was very positive. We agreed to meet for some training, just to see what levels we were at.. Everyone was really enjoying and it was great catching up and kicking a ball around again.

The decision was made for the new team to join the Mill View Sunderland & District over 40's league.

Paul Douthwaite heard the news we were forming the team and instantly wanted to be part of it.

Sponsorship was secured through UTS Engineering, SMD Plant Services and Compass Construction NE Ltd.

We were proposed and accepted into the league, became affiliated and all players were registered.

An important factor Mark wanted, was to base the team in the heart of the community. We secured our home pitch in Whitburn, so local residents could watch. We would use the Jolly Sailor pub as our home retreat for a beer after games.

Our team colours are black and amber which are the traditional of Whitburn teams of old. Even the club badge is a reminder of the history of the village. The fish for obvious reasons, but the words 'firm as a rock we stand' is taken from the Whitburn and Marsden Miners Group banner.

The team has began life in the 4th division which historically is a difficult league to achieve promotion from as all new teams begin their journey there, but we want this team to be around for a long time and believe we can push up through the divisions as we welcome more over 40's over the years. It's been a great start so far, we've rekindled old friendships while forming new ones which will always be the basis that allows the team to thrive.

Here's to new beginnings x

Special thanks from the team goes out to Derek Wilson, Brian Hastings, Jim Butler, John Gorringe and Barry Robinson - these gentlemen helped start and mould many of the players we have playing for us currently and will be honorary members of the club forever more.

R.I.P to David Moon - a former team mate who is sadly no longer with us

Up the Burn...