Steve Harmison to launch Northern League scheme at Ashington match

Posted by The Journal on Jan 26, 10 09:01 AM in Sport

He has been the world's best bowler, struck fear in the hearts of cricket's greatest batsmen and twice won the Ashes.

He has travelled the world doing so, yet Steve Harmison is rarely happier than when standing in the wind and the rain at Woodhorn Lane, pie and a Bovril to hand.

Now the former Ashington FC defender is backing a campaign to attract more people to non-league football. The Skilltrainingltd Northern League's 'Just Give it a Go' initiative offers free admission to newcomers and their families for up to three matches at any of the League's 42 grounds across the North East and Cumbria.

And Harmison is set to launch the FA-backed scheme when third- placed Ashington host South Shields, one spot below them in Division One, on Saturday.

"I've always loved the Northern League - our family grew up in it," said Harmison, whose brother James - a former title-winner with Bedlington Terriers - is expected to be in the Ashington squad, and whose uncles Mel, Jimmy and Kevin also boast a long history of Northern League involvement.

"To me it's about all that's good in grassroots sport - camaraderie, friendship and real community involvement. The standard of football is excellent and for a tenner you can have a great afternoon including a pie, a pint and a programme."

Although attendances have risen this season, league officials are anxious to build on the trend and encourage involvement with community clubs.

"It's a hugely welcoming fraternity," said league chairman Mike Amos. "We're confident that if people give it a go they'll want to come back. We hope to attract both those who never watch football and those who might follow professional clubs and have a free afternoon or evening when their team's away."

Welcome packs, including a three-match complimentary ticket, will be available at any Northern League ground on match days, from any league official or by emailing mikeamos81@aol.com.

And there is even more reason to take in the clash at Woodhorn Lane on Saturday (kick off 3pm) - Ashington are to donate half the gate money to the Haiti appeal.

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