Former Premier League footballer opens the new Sandymere pitch

The ribbon was cut declaring the refurbished astro at Sandymere by Marc Edworthy, former Professional footballer, who began as a youth player at Bideford Blues and Liz Junkison and Sally Ellis from the Bideford Bridge Trust, with Northam's mayor looking on.

The completed refurbishment of the 60 x 40 astro cost £200.000 of which the club had saved 75% over 15 years with the rest coming from Bideford Bridge Trust and Northam and Bideford Town Councils.

Marc, born in Nort Devon had played in the Premiership for several clubs and was twice player of the year at Crystal Palace. He had the rare distinction of having played in finals at the old Wembley, the Millennium Stadium and at the new Wembley!

The event was attended by around 80 people, including existing and former coaches at the club and some who had played alongside Marc at youth level.

Immediately after the official opening, two U13 girls’ teams played a match on the new surface.