BARNARD CASTLE FC stalwarts Geoff Thwaites and Robert Furness have received long service awards from the FA for their services to grassroots football.
The pair have dedicated their time to football in the town for decades.
Having been brought up in the local area, Mr Thwaites took over as manager of Bowes FC in 1998.
Originally the sole idea was to simply bring a few lads together and improve the community. A hard-working side was born, free flowing football landed in Teesdale and league titles and cup wins followed. Mr Thwaites brought his sons on board and they became part of a strong team.
Mr Furness got on board with the side and in recent years has drastically improved the ground and facilities.
He can still regularly be found on the mower or painting the lines on a Saturday morning.
The pair were at the forefront of the transformation from Bowes FC to Barnard Castle FC that led the club to be in the position it is now.
Despite stepping down as manager last year, Mr Thwaites is still a part of the club and will remain to be so.
His last game couldn’t have been more fitting, a 3-3 draw in a cup final with victory secured on penalties.
“It was a brilliant day and I can’t deny I got very emotional as we lifted the trophy.”
Club officials said gaining FA recognition is both fitting and well deserved for both as they helped lay the groundwork to take Barney to the next level as the club joined the Wearside League
