Jade Thirlwall becomes Honorary President of South Shields FC

She is best known for producing a string of pop hits as one quarter of Little Mix. 

And Jade Thirlwall is taking on a very different role as she has become the Honorary President of South Shields Football Club.

The singer’s new honorary role will see her help to increase the club’s profile on a national and international scale.

Known for being proud of her roots, Jade, 27, said of her appointment: ‘I’m so grateful to be asked to be the Honorary President of South Shields Football Club.

‘I’m incredibly proud to come from South Shields and one thing I am most proud of about my hometown is the sense of community and how we love to support each other and see each other do well in all aspects of life, which is something the football club very much embodies. 

‘I hope through my role I can raise awareness and increase the club’s profile, encouraging others to do the same and support our incredible team.

‘I’m looking forward to also being involved with any future projects the club will embark on that coincide with what I am passionate about.’

Jade attended the final fixture at 1st Cloud Arena before the 2019-20 season was brought to a premature end, and was enthralled as the Mariners defeated Manchester United 5-3.

The singer added that she hopes to tackle issues including racism and homophobia as part of her role.

She said: ‘I’m really hoping our club can be very progressive in that sense as well as being insanely talented on the pitch.

‘I’m so excited and I hope I can do everyone proud, just as our team has for our hometown.’

South Shields FC Chairman Geoff Thompson said: ‘We are delighted Jade has agreed to this ambassadorial role with the club.

‘The club, its charitable Foundation and its academies are increasingly important in our community, helping to deliver a series of health and well-being programmes for people of all ages.

‘Jade’s commitment to the town mirrors the club’s commitment and we are thrilled she is on board to further promote what we are trying to achieve.’

Jade supports a variety of other causes in her hometown including the charity Cancer Connections and she also recently invested in her own bar, Arbeia, and nightclub, Industry, in the town.