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You've heard of people Bending
it Like Beckham but these cheeky footballers are preparing to
Bare It Like Beckham.While millions huddle up in
front of the TV to watch England's first game against Paraguay
on Saturday, North East naturists will be showing off their
silky skills - and everything else come to that matter, in a
naked kick-about.Members of the Tynedale and Newcastle District
Outdoor Club (Tando) at Throckley, Newcastle, will strip down to
bare tactics as they line up for a game of footy and a penalty
shoot-out competition.And the nudists are inviting new members
to join in with the World Cup barbecue being staged behind the
high fences of the club on June 10.Chairman Mike Daly, 51, of
Westerhope, Newcastle, said: "We have got our goals, England
football and flags for the event on Saturday."We will find out
who is our best penalty taker, just like the real England team.
We will see who can score when it really matters."We will also
have a bit of a football match with the younger and older
members. It will give the younger ones a chance to win."The
barbecue will start at about 4pm after the proper England game
has finished. We will give fans the chance to watch the real
football stars and then have a go at penalties themselves later
in the evening."Mike, a care worker, added: "We are also looking
for new members to come along and join in with our fun."The club
is a pleasant woodland site, with beautiful walks, sheltered
areas, landscaping and club buildings. We have a sauna suite and
outdoor splash pool and members can even play Miniten - a game
of mini tennis."Anyone who wants to come along is under no
pressure to take off their clothes."It is when they feel
comfortable with it. And there is nothing more persuasive than
if the weather is good."Naturists are football fans as well and
we didn't want to miss out on World Cup fever. Our penalty
shoot-out competition will be great fun."Anyone wanting to
sample naturism can visit the club.Mike added: "People must call
the club first before entering. They can find out about us on
our website at
www.tando.org.uk or
www.tando.net or e-mail
tandoclub@hotmail.com
to contact club or
tando@blueyonder.co.uk to
contact tando .net website or call
the club house on (0191) 2290866 and leave a message on the answerphone."
Kit-off time
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I expected to
get a dressing down from the referee when I
streaked at a football match . . . but I got a
red card for a pitch invasion with a
difference.That's because I ran across the pitch
fully clothed . . . and all the players were
naked.The naturists from Tynedale and Newcastle
District Outdoor Club had stripped off to stage
a soccer match in honour of the World Cup and my
cover-up seemed like a fitting response.As I ran
into the penalty box, players pointed in shock
and club chairman Mike Daly said: "I don't know
about showing you a red card but you could be
arrested for decent exposure."Thankfully,
the team saw the funny side, and I was allowed
to watch the rest of the action from the
sideline. It was just a friendly game, so there
were no rough tackles, which was just as well,
because the referee had nowhere to keep his
whistle.Mike, 51, of Westerhope, Newcastle, who
was a little nervous about being in goal, said:
"There are lots of members who love football so,
in the spirit of the World Cup, we decided to
have a fun kick-about and penalty
shoot-out."We've got goalposts and lots of
England flags and bunting and we will be having
a barbecue later too."Some of the women will be
joining in the match . . . if they have had
enough lager."The game took place in the club's
grounds near Throckley, Newcastle, an idyllic
part of the countryside that only the 120 or so
members know exist.Mike is hoping newcomers will
join the club, which was formed in 1951. He
said: "The club is such a pleasant woodland
site, with beautiful walks, sheltered areas,
landscaping and club buildings."We have a sauna
suite, with a sitting area, an outdoor splash
pool, a pavilion with a kitchen and all
mod-cons."Members have their own shelters or
bring their caravans or camping equipment.It's a
fantastic place for people of a like mind to
come and enjoy the fresh air, and people don't
feel pressured into shedding their
clothes."Often people discover naturism by going
to special beaches on holidays on the Continent
and come home wanting to find somewhere where
they can have the same experience."And in
weather like this, you get a good tan. Saying
that, if it's good weather in March, people can
be seen strolling around naked."As we were
leaving, the match was coming to an end to make
way for a barbecue and penalty shoot-out
competition . . . and the two teams didn't even
have to worry about swapping shirts.For more
information about the Tynedale and Newcastle
District Outdoor Club, visit
www.tando.org.uk or www.tando.net
send an email to
tandoclub@hotmail.com to contact club or
tando@blueyonder.co.uk to
contact tando .net website or
leave a voice message on 0191-229 0866.
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