The Christmas period is recognisable for many things; offering a time for celebration and relaxation to most in the country. But for football fanatics, of which the North East has many, Christmas represents the busiest and best time for enjoying the beautiful game, with fixtures almost every day, ranging from the elite leagues, all the way down to grassroots.
The region is home to several non-league clubs, many of whom play each other in the following weeks. They all boast fantastic support and a familial sense of community, one that is only boosted at this time of year.
At a time where football is so prominent, here are 5 of the best clubs in the area that are certainly worth a visit this Christmas.
- Gateshead Football Club
Located: Gateshead International Stadium, Gateshead
League: National League
Next Home Games : December 14, 3pm (Vs Woking) December 26, 3pm (Vs Hartlepool).
Gateshead offer fans the highest standard of football in this list, competing at non-league football’s top division, and currently pushing for promotion to the football league for the first time. They represent the region’s top performing club after giants Newcastle United and Sunderland A.F.C, so constitute for a good opportunity to watch some higher quality football this festive period.
The Gateshead international stadium is impressive, used for multiple events such as athletics, combining a retro design with a modern feel, and in a location that is easily accessible. Times are good at Gateshead, so the Christmas spirit will be in full flow, and a boxing day clash with fellow North Easter’s Hartlepool seems like an unmissable affair.
- Morpeth Town
Located: Craik Park, Morpeth
League: Northern Premier League
Next Home Games: December 14, 3pm (Vs Ashton United), December 21, 3pm (Vs Gainsborough Trinity), January 1, 1pm (Vs Blyth Spartans)
Morpeth is a historical, picturesque market town in Northumberland, making it a lovely place to visit even before considering the football. With old cobbled streets and cosy pubs, the town is almost the perfect Christmas village, and with a small stadium nestled within the trees, it represents an idyllic place to watch football.
The crowd is intimate and close-knit, featuring a real sense of community that makes it ideal for newcomers. With several fixtures between now and the end of the Christmas, including a massive clash with fellow locals rivals Blyth Spartans on New Years day, a trip to Morpeth could be the perfect way to kick off 2025.
- South Shields Football Club
Located: 1st Cloud Arena – South Shields
League: National League North
Next Home Games: December 10, 7:45pm (Vs Rushall), December 21, 3pm (Vs Marine), January 1, 3pm (Vs Darlington).
South Shields are a club rapidly on the rise, climbing up the ranks in recent years to now be competing around the top of the National League North.
The 1st Cloud Arena is a modern, well facilitated ground that features two stands of professional quality, a club shop, a bar and restaurant and a state of the art pitch. Located just a 7 minute walk from Bede metro station, the stadium is easily accessible, deeming it the perfect day out for those looking for a stress-free journey.
The club attract a grand audience, the third highest in the division last season, allowing for a strong matchday atmosphere that during the festive period, will only be enhanced.
- Spennymoor Town
Located: Brewery Field, Spennymoor
League: National League North
Next Home Games: 14 December, 3pm (Vs Leamington), 26 December, 3pm (Vs South Shields)
Spennymoor’s home record is impressive, so a day of supporting ‘The Moors’ could prove a fruitful one. Their loyal support is impressive, and certainly plays a part, with attendance figures up there with the highest in the division.
The stadium is one of the most developed for this level, featuring 3 stands of fans, and that is perhaps no surprise due to the pretty recent establishment of the club, only being founded in 2005. Their games tend to feature a lot of goals, so why not expand the Christmas celebrations to the Brewery Field, perhaps with a boxing day clash with the previously discussed, and also local, South Shields.
- Bishop Auckland Football Club
Located: Heritage Park, Bishop Auckland
League: Northern League Division One
Next Home Games: December 14, 3pm (Vs Grimsby Borough), December 26, 3pm (Vs Consett)
Bishop Auckland are one of the North East’s most significant non-league clubs, and one of the most successful, having several Northern Premier League titles to their name. Heritage park is a traditional non-league football stadium, an essential for any fanatics, especially under the Christmas floodlights.
Founded all the way back in 1886, and retaining a strong following despite their low division, Bishop Auckland are the ultimate community club, and represent the opportunity for a brilliant Christmas day out to a beautiful small town in the hills of County Durham, with a lively and infectious club.
The Christmas period is the perfect time to explore the charm and passion of non-league football. The North East is home to some of the best clubs at this level, many of whom play each other in the near future. A visit to any one of these clubs would be a wonderful Christmas outing, so wrap up warm, visit the stadium bar for a pint or perhaps a mulled wine, and enjoy a festive frenzy of North Eastern football!