From Whitley Bay to Nou Camp – Lionesses take on 2000km run to Barcelona!

A team of footballers from Whitley Bay took on the 2000km run from the North East town to Barcelona in an epic lockdown virtual challenge.

The 13 footballers from Whitley Bay Sporting Club U12 Lionesses, along with their families and coaches, took three months to virtually run to Nou Camp, the famous home of Barcelona FC.

Coaches Lewis Crane and Kevin Thomas set the girls the challenge to keep them fit and motivated when the country went into its third full lockdown in January 2021.  Kevin said, “It was a new thing for the girls, they usually train once a week and play matches once a week, so heading out for regular runs was something very different for them.  It was a really good way for them to stay active and connected with their friends during lockdown”.

Each of the team logged their miles and finally broke the 2000km barrier on 11 April this year on the beach at Whitley Bay.

The team cross the finish line on the beach at Whitley Bay.

Kevin went on to say, “A few of the girls have really found running enjoyable and have carried on running regularly even though we’re back to being able to train.

I’m so proud of the team and how they continued to stay engaged with this challenge.  Hopefully, we can take them to Barcelona for real one day, although we might take a shorter flight next time.”

The team have previously raised money for us with a New Year’s Day dip in January 2020, and chose to continue supporting us raising an amazing £569.00 to support babies, children and young people across the North East.