Born in Birmingham in 1977, Lee Hendrie started his career at Premier League club Aston Villa where he spent fourteen years. Lee also played for the England U21s and earned one full cap for England in 1998. He has played for Stoke City, Sheffield United, Leicester City, Derby County, Brighton & Hove Albion and Bradford City.
Which junior team(s) did you play for as a child?
Chelmsley Wood then Eardington Star. I moved because after playing well for Chelmsley Wood I had the opportunity to play for the best team in the area.
What advice would you give to young footballers?
Go to FootieBugs. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy it. You can never play to much with the football. FootieBugs is all about having fun and using the ball and being imaginative.
If you weren’t a footballer what job do you think you would have?
I think I could have made a great Pop star. I am however really enjoying the business side of FootieBugs, it is great to be involved and to work with our franchisees to help children enjoy football.
Who is your favourite current player?
Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez. They are both superb footballers.
Who is the toughest opponent you have played against?
Patrick Viera, a huge presence in midfield. What a player.
Who did you room with for away matches?
Gareth Barry. Great lad.
Newcastle East End Under 12 Yellows play fixtures on a Sunday in the Pin Point Recruitment Football League, the largest youth league in the North East.
The team is managed by Carl Lattimer, at 20yrs old and an FA Level 2 coach, Carl sets a great example of player development having played for the club since the age of 8. Carl took on the team at Under 8 level as he started his coaching journey. The lads were a development squad and whilst they had to wait until the second half of the Under 9 season the progress was there to see. At Under 10s the team finished league runners up and reach a cup final.
The seed was set as they entered the Pinpoint League as Under 11s playing 9v9. Placed in league five they had some great victories, and one or two wake up calls! The season however finished on a high as they completed the season in forth place just missing out on promotion. They signed the season off with their first team trip away to play in the Haggerston Castle tournament finishing third in their group.
The 2013/14 season got off to a steady start winning three losing three going in to the winter period. However as they broke for Christmas they went on a run of 4 straight wins, one of which was against West Denton who were top of the league and unbeaten, that is until the Yellows won 4-2.
The lads now sit forth top with games in hand and look poised for a final push and another shot at promotion.
To find out more about the team and Newcastle East End FC, visit their club website at www.newcastleeastend.co.uk or email them [email protected]
What do you do to relax between games?
I love a game of golf. Great way to relax.
Who were your football idols whilst growing up?
Paul Gascoigne. Such a great footballer.
Everyone has a favourite second team, who is yours?
The way Barcelona play is irresistible.
Which team’s results do you look for first on a Saturday?
Has to be Aston Villa.