Open Training Session - Colin Myers

The Open Training Session will be a fantastic opportunity for supporters to come down to Croft Park, see the players in action, and most importantly, start building those all-important connections with the squad. For many, it'll be the first chance to meet the new signings face-to-face, and I believe that personal connection between players and fans is something that can make a real difference over the course of a season.

One of the most important things for me this season is uniting the entire club, players, staff, and supporters, as one. We all know there will be tough moments ahead, as there always are in football, but if we stand together and support one another, we give ourselves the best chance of overcoming them. That unity starts now.

I want our fans to know that the players we've brought in are here for the right reasons. They understand what this club means to the town and the people in it. They're fully committed to giving everything for Blyth Spartans, both on and off the pitch. It's not just about ability, it's about character, work ethic, and pride in wearing the badge.

I've experienced firsthand just how powerful the support can be at this club. When Croft Park is rocking, it gives the players a massive lift. Our supporters deserve a team that reflects their passion, a team that works hard, shows fight, and represents the club with pride and determination. That's exactly what we're working to build, and I hope the Open Session is the first step in reconnecting the fans with a group of players they can believe in again.

We have also extended an invitation to members of our junior section to come along and take part in the session, and I think that's a really important step for the club. It's about more than just giving them a great experience; it's about strengthening the bond between the first team and the wider club community, particularly the younger generation.

These young players represent the future of Blyth Spartans, not only as potential players but also as lifelong supporters. It's vital that they feel included, valued, and inspired by what they see at first-team level. By bringing them into sessions like this, we're sending a clear message: they are a part of the club's journey and future, and we want to build something they can be proud of.

Creating visible pathways from the junior section to the senior team is something I feel very strongly about. It helps nurture ambition, pride, and a sense of belonging. If young players grow up feeling connected to the club, meeting the players, training on the same pitch, wearing the same badge, then we're doing more than developing footballers, we're building a sustainable and community-driven football club.

Engaging with the local community in a genuine and ongoing way is essential to everything we want to achieve. Blyth Spartans is more than just a football team; it's part of the fabric of the town. If we can build strong, positive relationships across all levels of the club and the wider community, we'll be in a much stronger position, not just for this season, but for the long term.