We’re delighted to announce that Tuesday night’s National League North game against AFC Fylde at The Brewery Field will be our dedicated Head Safe fixture.
The Club and Head Safe Football will join forces for the game against The Coasters to honour the legacy of Bill Gates on the anniversary of his passing two years ago.
The fixture will be an opportunity to celebrate the Club strengthening its position as the first National League team to become “Head Safe Educated”, setting a new standard in safeguarding players, raising awareness and educating about brain health.
The Club has been a key supporter of Head Safe Football since its launch, backing the cause through landmark matches, a book launch, and a pioneering coaches’ clinic. From pin badges at Wembley to coaching sessions at Middlesbrough FC, the club has consistently shown its commitment to protecting players and promoting brain health.
As part of the celebrations, we are delighted to be welcoming former Sunderland and Middlesbrough boss Tony Mowbray and former Middlesbrough, Manchester United and England defender Gary Pallister as our guests for the game.
“As a club, we are proud to stand at the forefront of positive change in football,” explained Chairman, Brad Groves.
“Partnering with Head Safe Football allows us to honour Bill’s legacy and protect the next generation of players, both in Spennymoor and far beyond.
“We encourage our supporters and the wider community to join us for this dedicated Head Safe Football fixture at The Brewery Field.”
Bill Gates, who began his football journey at The Brewery Field, died two years ago from Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) – football’s elephant in the room.
In his memory, his wife Dr Judith Gates founded Head Safe Football to protect players and ensure no other families face the devastation of football-related brain injury.
Head Safe Football is the only organisation committed to stopping CTE in football by focusing on prevention through limiting heading in training.
“Bill’s legacy is that he wanted us to do something to protect future players,” said Dr Judith Gates.
“We are not calling for a ban, but we advocate reducing heading in training.
“Bill never headed a ball seriously after 30, all the damage to his brain was done when he was a young man, which is why it’s vital we protect the next generation of players through partnerships like this one.”
Families, fans and the wider community are invited to join us at The Brewery Field on Tuesday 21st October to remember Bill Gates, celebrate Spennymoor’s leadership, support Head Safe Football’s mission to make brain safety central to the future of the game and protect young players by spreading the word.