Blyth Spartans AFC has announced a 'whole-club community takeover' of the popular Blyth Links parkrun in Northumberland, scheduled for Saturday, June 13. The event aims to bring together the football club's senior management, first team players, women's and junior teams, volunteers, supporters, and sponsors, alongside the wider community for a morning focused on fitness, wellbeing, and community spirit.
What is a parkrun Community Takeover?
The takeover typically involves a local organisation, club, community group, or school providing volunteers and support for the event, creating a themed atmosphere while assisting the regular parkrun team. This initiative allows the hosting group to engage with the community in a unique way.
Blyth Links parkrun: A Grassroots Success
The free weekly 5k parkrun, held every Saturday at 9am, has become one of the UK's most successful grassroots participation movements. Since its inception in 2004 with just 13 runners and five volunteers, parkrun has expanded to over 20 countries with millions of participants. In the North East, Blyth Links parkrun has welcomed more than 14,000 individual participants and recorded over 82,000 finishes since it began.
Club and Community Encouraged to Participate
Blyth Spartans AFC is encouraging all supporters, sponsors, and community members to take part by running, walking, volunteering, or simply showing support. Participants are urged to wear green and white to create a strong club presence. Members from all areas of the football club will assist with volunteering roles, including marshalling, barcode scanning, and finish funnel support.
Quotes from Club Officials
Paul Norvell, Director at Blyth Spartans AFC: "We're incredibly excited to be working alongside the Blyth Links parkrun team for this special takeover event. This is a fantastic opportunity to bring together all areas of Blyth Spartans AFC alongside the wider community in a really positive and inclusive environment. I’ve attended a few parkruns here and noticed that Blyth Links parkrun, Blyth Spartans, and our sponsors share core values such as community wellbeing, mental health awareness, encouraging physical activity, and inclusion. We thought it was a great way to bring it all together in support of our local parkrun. Blyth Spartans Men’s, Women’s, and Junior teams recently finished their seasons, and this is a perfect way to unite us all as a whole group."
Linda Bush, Manager at Blyth Spartans Women: "Blyth Spartans Women are delighted to be taking part and volunteering in support of the parkrun takeover. One of our players is hoping to win it! And I will be cheering on the runners with the same energy as a home game at Croft Park! A green and white takeover to bring joy."
Craig Nicholson, Blyth Spartans Juniors Secretary: "Whilst we know football is a great way to keep fit, we also know there are many wider benefits. It’s a way of bringing people together across many generations and promotes good mental health. parkrun achieves the same goals for people of all ages, and that's why we are happy to get behind this takeover. We look forward to seeing lots of our players and volunteers in their green and white stripes, exercising and having fun together alongside our friends at Blyth Spartans Men and Women’s teams."
How to Get Involved
Further information regarding registration, volunteering opportunities, and parkrun participation guidance will be shared by the club in the coming weeks. Queries can be sent via email to Paul Norvell at 1899@blythspartans.com. Participants can register for parkrun at the official parkrun registration website.
