Alan Shearer Reflects on Wallsend Boys Club: Premier League Hall of Fame Inductee

Premier League Hall of Fame Inductee Alan Shearer Reflects on Wallsend Boys Club

Alan Shearer, a recent inductee into the Premier League Hall of Fame, reminisces about his time at Wallsend Boys Club on his native Tyneside. Founded in 1904 by the directors of the Swan Hunter Shipyard, the club aimed to provide shipbuilding apprentices with a positive outlet for their leisure time, steering them away from antisocial behavior.

Shearer fondly recalls his experience at the club, not only for the football but also for the personal growth it offered. Training twice a week on the club's old wooden floor, Shearer and his teammates honed their skills through passing drills and five-a-side matches.

Over the years, Wallsend Boys Club has evolved into more than just a football development center. According to club chairman Steve Daley, the emphasis now lies on nurturing not only talented sportspeople but also responsible citizens. The club's motto, 'More than football,' reflects this commitment.

The club's progress has been made possible through the support of the Football Foundation, which has provided over £1.8m in funding since 2006. This financial assistance has enabled Wallsend to establish a clubhouse, install a 3G pitch and floodlights, and offer extracurricular sessions. Additionally, the Premier League has supplied the club with a defibrillator, one of 2,000 devices distributed across England and Wales.

Shearer acknowledges the significant impact of the Premier League's investment, stating that without it, Wallsend Boys Club would not exist. The club has received approximately £1.8m in funding since 2006, contributing to the £90m invested in the North East by the Premier League. Through the Football Foundation, the Premier League has co-funded £1.04bn of investment, benefiting grassroots sporting facilities and projects throughout England.

Shearer concludes by highlighting the ethos of Wallsend Boys Club, which aims to develop individuals into better people, regardless of their footballing success. While not everyone may become a professional footballer, the club strives to support its members in their personal and professional growth.