Players join in fun at football club's family day

South Shields FC players Ibby Hassan, David Foley and Lewis Galpin take part in the 'Meltdown' challenge.

South Shields Football Club won Ebac Northern League Division Two, securing promotion to Division One.

To mark the end of the campaign, the club invited families and the community to its Mariners Park home, in Shaftesbury Avenue, for an afternoon of events.

The family fun day was held to celebrate South Shields FC's promotion.

The entertainment included fairground rides, which were provided by an external company, while several of the Mariners’ players also took centre stage.

Players Ibby Hassan, David Foley, Lewis Galpin and Stephen Ramsey, as well as manager Jon King, challenged each other on the ‘Meltdown’ ride, which saw them have to duck and jump over an obstacle until there was only one left standing.

In the end, Stephen Ramsey – the club’s longest-serving player – saw off strong competition from Ibby to be last man standing.

Club manager Jon was delighted that the players could join in the celebrations.

South Shields FC players Ibby Hassan, David Foley, Lewis Galpin and Stephen Ramsey, as well as manager Jon King, take part in the 'Meltdown' challenge.

He said: “It was great to see so many families at the ground, and quite a few of the players made the effort to come down and join in.

“Pre-season training doesn’t start until the end of June, but taking part in ‘Meltdown’ was a good fitness session for some of the players! It’s a lot harder than it looks.

“We wanted to say thanks to our fans for their magnificent support all season, and we hope they enjoyed the day.”

There was some confusion at the fun day, as the external company which brought along the rides brought with them some additional activities.

Youngster Rylan Harrison shoots for goal at South Shields FC's fun day.

They weren’t covered by the cost of the wristbands, which had been sold in advance for use of the rides.

As a result, the club has offered those who bought wristbands some of their money back.

A club statement said: “An external company provided the fairground rides and attractions which were used on the day, and the club’s understanding was that the price of the wristband would cover all of the activities on offer.

“However, unbeknown to the club, the company also brought along some additional rides which they then charged individually for on the day.

Youngsters Owen Gibson and Ashton Walker at South Shields FC's fun day.

“The club would like to thank all of those who attended on the day for their support. It was great to see so many families at the ground on a day of celebration following our promotion, and to leave anyone feeling dissatisfied was the last thing we wanted.

“Anyone who would like to claim a partial refund can contact the club by calling 0191 454 7800, or visit Mariners Park.”