HISTORY is repeating itself for non-league footballers commemorating their club’s finest hour with a match against Italian giants Juventus this summer.
Northern League side West Auckland Town FC have secured the David and Goliath clash in Italy, on August 1, to mark the 100th anniversary of the club’s World Cup win in 1909 when they beat Swiss team Winterthur– but are struggling to pay for the trip, just as their predecessors did.
The County Durham club, known as West, were the first winners of the World Cup, then known as the Sir Thomas Lipton Trophy, and repeated the feat two years later in 1911 – defeating Juventus 6-1.
The 1909 squad, made up mostly of miners, faced a gruelling journey to reach the tournament in Italy, which they funded themselves.
Many were unsure if they would still have jobs when they returned.
There were even rumours of families selling their belongings to help fund the trip.
Fast forward 100 years, and the West side of 2009 are facing a similar expensive and long journey.
Initially, the club hoped to charter a plane to fly the squad, club officials, and spectators to and from the match.
But the air fares proved too expensive, and the cheapest package was by coach and ferry, costing £250 a person.
The coach will leave West Auckland at 10am on Thursday, July 30, and return from Turin, Italy, at 2pm on Sunday, August 2.
The package includes two nights’ bed and breakfast and transport to the match, which will be played in Chiusa Pesio in northern Italy against a Juventus youth team.
The club has approached the Football Association, and Liptons for financial help, and manager Stuart Alderson appealed for businesses in the area to sponsor the side.
“We would be so grateful if anyone can help, because these are difficult financial times,” he said.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
Anyone is welcome to travel to Italy for the match. To book, visit Cooperative Travel in Newgate Street, Bishop Auckland.
To sponsor the team, contact Mr Alderson on 07818-223798 or email via the club’s website: westaucklandtownfc.co.uk
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