Emil Krafth meets future footballers learning at NUCASTLE with Newcastle United Foundation

Newcastle United star Emil Krafth has been inspiring young footballers developing their skills on the pitch and in the classroom alongside Newcastle United Foundation.

The Swedish defender met with pupils from North Gosforth Academy, in Newcastle, and Sävsjö school students from Sweden visiting the Foundation’s new home – NUCASTLE, powered by Newcastle Building Society.

Krafth heard how the two school groups spent a day together as part of the Foundation’s Partner School programme funded by the Premier League.

The groups enjoyed teambuilding activities and a stadium tour at St. James’ Park before visiting NUCASTLE’s state-of-the-art esports suite and playing football on NUCASTLE’S rooftop pitch where the students were thrilled by a surprise visit from the Swedish national player.

Krafth – who is continuing his road to recovery after suffering a knee injury earlier this season – welcomed students from his native country to Newcastle, hosting a question-and-answer session for the young visitors from Sävsjö representing IFK Stockaryd/Rörviks IF in southern Sweden, near Krafth’s hometown.

Krafth said: “It was great to meet the school and spend time chatting as they were asking me about my life at a young age, what it took to become a footballer and life back in Sweden and school.

“I told them that it is all about hard work and not just talent and hard work is what makes the difference to achieve your goals.”

He added: “I never had this opportunity when I was young so it’s something new to me and really good to see the Foundation inviting teams and schools from different countries to learn

“I had never experienced anything like this when I was young. A lot of these children will know about English football and the big clubs and its good that they are getting to experience Newcastle.”

The opportunity for North Gosforth Academy students and their Swedish peers to learn and play together was made possible by the Foundation’s Partner School programme, supported by the Premier League Professional Footballers’ Association Community Fund.

Through the fund, a Foundation staff member is embedded within the partner school throughout the full academic year, delivering interventions and one-to-one support for students inspired and engaged by Newcastle United Foundation.

Andy Foster, Programmes Manager at Newcastle United Foundation, said: “It has been inspirational for students separated by more than 1,000 miles to meet and connect together through their love of football and Newcastle United, right here at NUCASTLE.

“Emil Krafth is a role model to young people both in the North East and in Sweden who have learnt the importance of hard work and determination by his example.

“He has been incredibly generous with his time – getting to know our Partner School programme pupils who have all enjoyed a once-in-a-lifetime experience at NUCASTLE thanks to Krafth, Newcastle United and the Premier League.”

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