Jade Thirlwall Backs SSFC

As South Shields FC goes up for sale - Little Mix star Jade Thirlwall backs the team to go on to even bigger brighter things

As South Shields Football Club’s sale gathers momentum and chairman Geoff Thompson seeks the next custodian to hand the club over to... Shields-born pop star Jade Thirlwall has thrown her support behind the sale, calling Shields fans the “most loyal” fanbase.

The Little Mix star is an honorary president of South Shields FC and a huge fan. And she has backed the club to go on to even “bigger and brighter” things.

She said: "South Shields FC is a great club with an amazing history and has huge potential to go on to bigger and brighter things.”

Over the past decade, the club has seen considerable growth. In 2015 South Shields FC were in the doldrums playing football in Peterlee, 30 miles from the natural home with fan numbers of roughly 70 per game.

Today with a brand new stadium and a loyal fanbase approaching 2,500 per home game, the club’s fortunes have changed considerably.  Jade believes the fans can continue to back the club as it scales to even greater heights and the holy grail of the EFL.

When describing ‘Sandancers’ (people from South Shields) she said: “Sandancers are the most brilliant, loyal fanbase - it’s always a joy to get up there and amongst the fans! South Shields is home and my involvement with the club will always be special to me.”

The Vanarama National League North team are not far off the play-off positions with a move up to the National League looking promising. 

Much of the recent success has been down to chairman Geoff Thompson and his team. Local businessman Geoff took over as chairman in 2015.  Born and raised in South Shields, Geoff has been a lifelong fan.  After taking over he led the return of the club to its natural home in South Tyneside. He has pumped circa £5.4 million into infrastructure and facilities, purchasing the stadium, 1st Cloud Arena. He has also invested heavily in the training facilities, their academy system and community initiatives.

The club established a charitable foundation in 2016 with the purpose of improving health and well-being in the area. It became a registered charity in 2018 and in 2021 surpassed the £10 million mark in social impact delivered into the community.

Jade added: “Geoff has done a phenomenal job during his time here and, as we enter this next chapter, I’m hopeful that the right new owner will come along to take the club on its journey to the next level."