Anthony Gordon named PFA Community Champion for Newcastle United Foundation charity work

Anthony Gordon has been named Newcastle United’s Professional Footballers’ Association Community Champion 2023/24, recognising his positive engagement supporting North East families in need.

The 23-year-old was nominated for the accolade after volunteering and spending time supporting the work of Newcastle United Foundation and the Club’s United As One campaign this season.

The PFA Community Champion Awards celebrate players going above and beyond to support their communities.

Gordon recently visited the Community Pantry @ NUCASTLE – a collaboration between Newcastle United Foundation and Newcastle Foodbank providing individuals and families with weekly access to groceries and household essentials. Joining a team of Foundation and Pantry volunteers, Gordon took on a hands-on role preparing stock and serving customers while getting to know the community relying on the service in the NE4 area.

And earlier this season, Gordon met Tyler, a young fan living with autism who held a lifelong dream to be part of the famous “Geordie roar” at St. James’ Park. After reading Tyler’s letter to the Club explaining his wish, Gordon surprised the teenager in the stadium’s sensory room before presenting him with his own flag, with the help of Wor Flags, to be displayed in the Gallowgate End.

On receiving the PFA Community Champion accolade, Gordon said: “It means a lot to receive the PFA Community Champion award. This feels like a massive achievement as it ultimately recognises efforts to help people and give back to the community, so I’m really pleased.

“This award definitely feels different to others; it’s the first one of its type that I have been given. It’s great to be recognised for the work we do in the community, and I feel that we can never do enough. Personally, I want to continue doing more and more.”

Gordon has previously spent time meeting recently arrived refugees and young migrants through the Foundation’s United for Sanctuary programme. Joining participants on the rooftop pitch at NUCASTLE, powered by Newcastle Building Society, Gordon learnt more about the Foundation’s work to assist the integration and inclusion of young people brought together by a shared passion for football.

Steve Beharall, Newcastle United Foundation CEO, said: “Anthony is an outstanding role model and we are pleased and proud to have assisted his efforts to support North East communities this season.

“This recognition is a token of our appreciation for his commitment to creating positive change in the region and I would like to congratulate Anthony on earning Newcastle United’s PFA Community Champion award.”

Maheta Molango, Professional Footballers’ Association CEO, added: “The PFA has once again been immensely proud of the outstanding efforts of players this season and we feel they should be recognised for their support and involvement in the local community.

“The Award will hopefully raise awareness of the importance many of our members attach to their roles off the pitch and highlight their continued commitment to support those most in need along with engaging in areas where they have a personal interest.

“We would like to offer our congratulations to this season’s recipient of the 2023/24 PFA Community Champion Award.”

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