North Area Archived News

May 21 , 2014: Pete North bags two categories at Devon Sports awards

Bideford AFC Youth Head Coach Pete North has been recognised as "Community Coach of the Year" and he also won the prestigious "Outstanding Contribution to Sport Award". The Exeter Foundation Devon Sports Awards, was held at Exeter Chief's home, Sandy Park last Friday. The event was hosted by BBC Spotlight's Jenny Walrond. and with special guest Olympic medallist Kriss Akabusi.MBE. " Well done and congratulations, This is for all of the things that Pete has done in the community with football I am sure that you all agree that this is well deserved" said Jenny. Olympic medallist Kriss Akabusi was full of praise for Pete and had some encouraging words for his Club " Bideford AFC Youth, you have had a brilliant year, it's phenomenal! You know each day and every day that Pete is there working hard, and today he has been recognised, twice he came up, he's the man!" Pete was both delighted and surprised to have won the awards. " I am overwhelmed; I was genuinely not expecting to win the Community Coach Award with so many worthy candidates. When it came to the final award and Jenny was reading out the citation, I began to realise that they were talking about me! To win the Outstanding Contribution to Sport Award is incredible. I am certain that it recognises not only what I have managed to contribute, but also the success of Bideford AFC Youth in providing opportunities for young people".

July 13, 2013: Bideford Youth - Charter Standard Club of the Year

Bideford AFC Youth have been presented with the prestigious Charter Standard Club of the Year award by Devon FA at the annual awards ceremony in Newton Abbott. A judges panel comprising senior FA officials decided to recognise Bideford AFC Youth with the award for upholding high standards of development and good practice in delivery. The Club ensures that there are at least two qualified coaches for each squad of no more than 20 players. Training sessions are based on a consistent, child centred development programme based on the FA four corner model covering technical, physical, psychological and social aspects. The achievement of this award is even more remarkable due to the fact that Bideford AFC Youth was only formed 2 seasons ago, and already has around 100 children enjoying football in its ranks. "We are very honoured to receive this award, and the credit belongs to the coaches, parents, players and officials who work hard for the benefit of all. We are particularly grateful to Torridge District Council and to Bideford and Northam Town Councils who have given us tremendous support in establishing the Club". The Club, who train on Thursday evenings are now looking to establish girls' teams by working in partnership with Bideford Ladies FC. Any girls who are interested in finding out more about Bideford AFC Youth can contact Head Coach Pete North on 01237 478840 (H) or 07543 827224 (M). You can also email pjnorth44@gmail.com or Vanessa Saunders on 01237 424630 (H) or 07791 335946 (M)

Photo is of Head Coach Peter North, Devon FA Chairman Bernard Leach, Bideford AFC Youth President Cllr Roger Johnson, Chairman Bob lovelace and Secretary Neil Blackburn.

June 17, 2013: Bideford AFC Youth Charter Standard Award

Bideford AFC Youth Football Club are celebrating after qualifying for the FA Charter Standard Development Club Status, only 24 months after establishing Youth Football at The Sports Ground. The prestigious award will be presented by The FA in July.

The Football Association Charter Standard scheme recognises and rewards high quality levels of provision in club and league football. The kitemark is awarded to clubs that are well run, sustainable, which place child protection, quality coaching and safety paramount. Development Club status requires coaches to have additional qualifications. The Club must have an agreed 3 to 5 year development plan and a minimum of five youth teams across four age groups.

Bideford AFC Youth Head Coach Pete North was delighted that the Club has been recognised so soon. ? We have put a lot of work in, to try and do things well, and in line with FA best practice. In the Club development plan, we have addressed areas such as good coaching ratios, coach development and working to a coaching program. Whilst we are all volunteers, we want to do the best for the young players to ensure that they enjoy their football in a safe and progressive environment. Having achieved the FA Charter Standard last season, it is a natural progression for us to achieve the Development Club Status and we are pleased to have been recognized by the FA in this way?.

Secretary Neil Blackburn was keen to praise those that support the Club. " Torridge District Council and Bideford Town Council have been brilliant with their practical help and they can see how much this is benefiting young people in the Town. We are also very grateful to the sponsors that have put their hands in their pockets including Torridge, Bideford and Northam Town Councils and also the private donors. There is also a growing army of volunteers without which we would not be able to function. It is great to receive this recognition but we are already looking to the future and ensuring that we grow the Club in a sustainable way."

February 15, 2013: Mike Stevens

Mike Stevens passed away this morning (Friday). Mike was a highly respected figure in North Devon Football. He was the referee appointments officer for the Kingsley League and North Devon League for many years. He served on the Management Committee of the North Devon League and his experience was a great asset. He became a Devon FA councillor in 1987 and remained so with a short break in 2001. In 2011 he became a Life Member of Devon FA. He received a Rose Bowl in 2009 from Devon FA in recognition of his long and devoted service to football in Devon. His contribution to refereeing in Devon and North Devon in particular was huge. He will be greatly missed and our thoughts are with his family, friends and all those in the footballing community who knew Mike.

July 19, 2012: Devon FA Community Awards

This year saw three North Area winners and one runner-up.
Gina Maynard received the Outstanding Contribution to Community Football Award. Gina has been involved with the North Devon Youth League for over 20 years and is the current chair. She is also chair of SAS football Club. She has been instrumental in helping the youth league grow and has helped introduce Futsal to the younger age groups. Gina?s ethos is one of ?Sport for all? rather than an elitist approach.
Peter Evans received the Steve Betts Memorial Trophy for showing outstanding commitment to the development of the grass roots element of the game. Peter has been involved with Bideford Blues and Appledore Youth FC for numerous seasons. He has also recently stepped in as the Secretary of the North Devon Youth League, and along with other Committee Members has embraced the need for change Youth Football and importance of the FA Youth Review ? working with clubs, County FA?s and other partners to implement recommendations, long before they become mandatory - For example 9v9 football & Futsal.
Peter North received the award for Coach of the Year. Peter is a level 2 coach with many other football qualifications. He runs the under 15 team but as the club?s senior coach, he is also involved with all teams on training nights. He is extremely dedicated and committed to the Bideford AFC Youth Programme.
Bideford Youth AFC also picked up the runners-up award for Charter Standard Club of the Year. Bideford have only been running for one season so this and Peter North's achievement is fantastic.
Well done to all the winners and runners-up.

June 25, 2012: Pivot Trophy Cheque Presentation

The picture below shows Paul Harris (L) and Bill Smale(R) handing over cheques on behalf of the Kingsley League and North Devon Gazette League respectively. Receiving them on behalf of the North Devon Hospital Chemotherapy Appeal is Sharon Bates. The money was raised from the proceeds and kind donations at the annual Pivot Trophy match.

June 16, 2012: North Area Awards - Devon FA AGM

With this year's Devon FA AGM being held in the North Area we were proud to be able to reward individuals and teams that have put so much into grassroots football. Below are pictures of the receipients, congratulations to them all:-

Woolsery Juniors - North Area Winners, Charles Norsworthy Trophy and Kivell Cup Winners.

Ron Ackland (Bideford FC) - Long Service Award and new Vice-President.

Rose Lock (Dolton FC) - Long Service Award.

John Adams (Buckland Brewer) - Long Service Award.

Ken Turner (Kingsley League) - Long Service Award.

Jimmy Jewell - Long Service Award.

Ron Holman (Ilfracombe Town) - Special Award for Outstanding Service to Football.

March 24, 2011: Hayward Shield - Senior Presentation

The Senior Hayward Shield is presented to the team from the North Area that gets the furthest in the Devon Senior Cup. This season it was shared by Bideford Reserves and Wrey Arms. The picture below shows Devon FA Councillor Dave Parish presenting the shield to club captains, Marc Churchill (Wrey Arms) and Sam Grimley (Bideford Reserves) before their North Devon Gazette League fixture.

February 24, 2011: Bideford AFC Youth Presented with Charter Standard Award

Bideford AFC Youth have now been presented with their Charter Standard Award. The photo below shows Chairman Bob Lovelace receiving The FA Charter Standard award from Lee Rider, FA County Development Manager. With Bob are Bideford AFC Youth Club Captain Dom Luongo and Robbie "Rocket" Robin.

February 10, 2012: Brett Huxtable - Devon Sports Awards 2012

Congratulations to local referee Brett Huxtable who came second last night in the Devon Sports Awards 2012. They were held at Sandy Park, Exeter and he was nominated in the Official of the Year.

September 17, 2011: Richard Stapley - Presentation

Below is a picture of Richard Stapley being presented with his award for being nominated as the North Area's best young ref. Jason Haywood of Devon FA is making the presentation.

July 21, 2011: Election Result & Community Awards

Devon FA have today confirmed the result of the recent Councillor elections for the North Area vacancies. The three successful names were Tony Alcock, Tony Cloak and Brian Fishleigh.

Last night at the Community Awards at Exeter FC the following North Area people were honoured with certificates for being nominated and John Palfreyman who won his nominated category:
Coach of the year - Dave Langford
Volunteer of the year - Lesley Paddon, Lorraine Lee
Services to Refereeing - Mike Stevens
Duncan Underhill Young Referee of the year - Richard Stapely
Outstanding Contribution to Community Football - Alan Webster, John Palfreyman (winner)
Congratulations to everyone who was nominated.

June 23, 2011: Ilfracombe FC - Charles Norsworthy Winners - North Area

Ilfracombe Town FC capped off a fine season by their Ladies Team being the North Area's nomination for the Charles Norsworthy Award for Season 2010/11. They received a cheque for 250 and a certificate from Devon FA. They were also presented with the Kivell Cup on behalf of the North Area Members to go with the Les Philips Cup they have already won, the Fairplay Award for the Western League and finishing 3rd in the Western League. Below are photos of the team:

L-R - Steve Boni, Sophie Russell, Jordan Davey, Rob Bates - North Area Co-Ordinator, Kizzy Tarrant, Bill Cresswell, In the front are Liz Middleton and Donna Adams.

L-R - Rob Bates - North Area Co-Ordinator, Kristy Parish.

L-R - Kizzy Tarrant, Jordan Davey, Donna Adams, Liz Middleton, Sophie Russell.

November 19th, 2010: North Devon Journal Sports Awards 2010

It was a great night at the Journal Sports Awards for the North Devon Gazette League. Woolsery FC were announced as the Senior Team of the Year following their success in the Devon County Intermediate Cup and league and cup double last season. And John Palfreyman of North Molton SC picked up the Outstanding Services to North Devon Sport Award for his 60 years involvement. Showing his dedication John even dropped off a registration form on the way to the ceremony! Well done to both.

June 20th, 2010: Devon FA AGM

It was the Devon FA AGM on Saturday and, current Devon FA Vice-President, John Fry narrowly missed out on being elected as the new President by 24-22 votes. However, Bideford Ladies were the North Area's nomination for the Charles Norsworthy Award this season. Two of their players attended for the presentation, Sophie Smart (left) and Tanya Murphy (right) seen in the photo accepting their award from the newly elected President Mervyn Benney. They received a certificate, the Kivell Cup and a cheque for 250. They were recommended to the North Area by the Devon Women's League where they also won the Premier Division fairplay award. "They are a credit to the North Area and thoroughly deserved the nomination," commented North Area Co-Ordinator Rob Bates.

April 22nd, 2010: Appledore - Devon Premier Cup Champions

Congratulations to Appledore who pulled off a stunning comeback to win 5-3 against the Royal Marines to bring the Devon Premier Cup back to the North Area for a second season. It was a cracking game and Geoff Copp should be congratulated for his team's attitude, particularly towards the end of the game. Read the match report on the North Devon Journal website . There is also a report on the Devon County FA's site which is written by Jim Pearcy. Photos of the day can be seen and purchased on the County FA's photographer's website .

April 19th, 2010: Bideford Blues & Appledore Girls - Devon Under 14 Girls Cup Champions

Congratulations to Bideford Blues & Appledore Girls who beat Ashmoor 5-1 at Coach Road, Newton Abbot on Monday night to become the Devon Under 14 Girls Cup Champions of Devon. There is a report on the Devon County FA's site which is written by Jim Pearcy. Photos of the day can be seen and purchased on the County FA's photographer's website .

April 9th, 2010: Woolsery - Devon Intermediate Cup Champions

Congratulations to Woolsery who beat Windsor Car Sales 4-2 at Coach Road, Newton Abbot on Thursday night to become the Intermediate Champions of Devon. It was a cracking game and Woolsery thoroughly deserved the win. I was honoured and very proud to be the Guest at this game. Woolsery are a fine advert for North Area football. Read the match report on the North Devon Journal website . The pre-match reports are also well worth reading, read them here and here on the North Devon Journal website . There is also a report on the Devon County FA's site which is written by Jim Pearcy. Photos of the day can be seen and purchased on the County FA's photographer's website .

February 28th, 2010: Hayward Shields

Both Shields have now been presented. The Senior Shield went to Halwill (pictured below) and the Intermediate Shield went to Woolsery. The Shields are presented to the Senior and Intermediate team from the North Area that gets the furthest in their respective cup. The photo on the right show Andrew (Winnie) Winser receiving the Shield from Rob Bates, Devon FA Area Co-Ordinator. Click on the photos for larger version.

THE DEVON football community has paid tribute to Albert Beer who died last week (16th January 2010). Mr Beer, 91, was president of the Devon County Football Association and the North Devon Journal League. After playing for his local team Appledore prior to the Second World War, he went on to enjoy a long connection with the sport. Mr Beer joined the North Devon League as an independent member in 1955. He was voted on to the Devon FA in 1962 and served for 11 years before returning in 1987, becoming county president in 2005. Bill Smale, his friend and long-time colleague at the North Devon League, has fond memories of a "little man with a heart of gold". In recent years, Mr Smale drove Mr Beer to watch numerous local league and county youth games. "We travelled miles and he always loved talking about football it was a great passion with Albert," he said. "He had a marvellous memory, going back to his playing days for Appledore. "And of course Albert was like all of us, we loved playing football and we always wish we could play forever." Born in Appledore in 1918, Mr Beer spent more than six years in the army before setting up a painting and decorating business in 1949. Becoming Devon FA president was special for Mr Beer and Mr Smale recalls his reaction at seeing his name written on the wall at the Devon FA headquarters in Newton Abbot. Listed alongside previous presidents, many with letters after their name, Mr Beer showed his down-to-earth sense of humour. "He looked at me and he said Albert Beer PD painter and decorator," said Bill. "That was Albert" Living for many years in Northam with his wife Florie, the couple had one daughter, Kathryn. In recent years, after Florie died, Mr Beer lived at Kathryn's home just a short walk from Bideford Football Club. But it was trips up the road to Marshford or visits to the smaller North Devon League clubs he enjoyed most. Last April came one of the proudest moments of his presidency when a team from North Devon won the Devon Premier Cup. In one of his last public engagements for the Devon FA, Mr Beer presented the trophy to Boca Seniors after their win against Bovey Tracey at Ladysmead in Tiverton. "He was absolutely delighted because Boca Seniors became the first team from the North Devon League to win it," said Mr Smale. "Although he would be quick to tell you Appledore won the competition several years ago when they were a South Western League side." Former secretary of the North Devon League Philip Shelton paid tribute to an "admirable figure for the League and the FA", describing him as "someone to whom you always turned when you wanted to make sure you were doing things correctly". "The source of knowledge he had is probably still there, but in the heads of three or four other people rather than one," he said. The Devon FA's north area coordinator, Rob Bates, said Mr Beer had always encouraged and advised him when he started out in football administration. "His knowledge and authority on the game in Devon was unrivalled," he said. "It is testament to Albert's involvement over the years how good a position North Devon football is in today." Paul Morrison, chief executive at the Devon FA, said Mr Beer's wealth of knowledge could often settle a dispute. "He spoke very quietly but always attracted people's attention with each word he said," he said. "He reminded me of the old wise owl sitting in the tree observing all that is happening around him. "What was so wonderful about Albert was that he always loved talking to people about football ranging from the old boys who put up the nets to those who were the big chiefs of professional clubs and always treated them all with the same enthusiasm." When he closed annual meetings at Newton Abbot, Mr Beer would talk of his pride at being president. Morrison added: "It always brought a tear to his eye as he rejoiced in telling all he had come from being a humble painter and decorator who loved football, to being the president of one of the biggest county Football Associations in the country. "The Devon FA is hurting as we have lost one of our most well-loved men. But we can ease that pain with the lovely memories Albert gave us all."

Use the noticeboard to promote your club event or news. Send the details using the contact us page.