Euro giants all set for kick-off!

Newcastle United and Glasgow Celtic are kicking off the inaugural Whitby Town Challenge Cup at the Turnbull Ground on Thursday night (July 29) before Chris Hardy's Seasiders host Dutch footballing giants AZ Alkmaar 24 hours later in a 7.45pm kick-off.

The prestigious three day tournament reaches its climax on the Saturday, the losers meeting in a third-place play-off at lunchtime before the winners kick off at 5.30pm in the final for a specially-commissioned trophy.

The festival of football on July 27, 28 and 29 has been sanctioned by the Football Association and is being staged two weeks before the new season kicks off on Saturday 12 August after the EVO-STIK NPL Premier Division's Blues teamed up with entrepreneurs Dennis Hobson and Graeme Hinchliffe.

Hardy, pictured, is getting his side ready to improve on their sixth-placed finish to the last top flight campaign and believes the tournament will be a real boost to their preparations.

He said: “We’re set to take on some of football’s biggest names and all of us on the playing side of things are relishing the challenge. It’s a great chance for us to put the club on the map.

"In terms of generating interest ahead of a season where we’re aiming for play-offs and promotion, it couldn’t be better. To see the Turnbull Ground packed with 2,000 people inside, in pre-season, would be fantastic.”

Tickets prices for the fixtures have been set at £10 for adults, £6 for concessions and £3 for children. For more information and to book, visit the Whitby Town's official website at www.whitby-town.com.

Images courtesy of @WhitbyTownFC/Twitter

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