Newcastle United Foundation and North Tyneside Council team up to boost opportunities for young people

Young people in North Tyneside are set to benefit from new opportunities in sport, education, jobs, and training thanks to a new partnership between Newcastle United Foundation and North Tyneside Council.

North Tyneside Council has a longstanding partnership with Newcastle United Foundation and together they have delivered free sports activities for hundreds of young people – and adults - in the borough.

A more ambitious partnership has now been agreed, with the two organisations pledging to share expertise and resources, create new links to schools and businesses, and open more doors for young people in North Tyneside.

North Tyneside’s Elected Mayor Dame Norma Redfearn DBE and Chief Executive Paul Hanson joined representatives of the Foundation to sign an agreement and unveil a new dedicated Foundation space at the Howdon Community Hub, Wallsend.

The space will not only provide access to Foundation services but will serve as a source of inspiration and engagement for community members.

She said: “I am delighted to be signing this agreement with the Newcastle United Foundation, building on the strong partnership we have had for many years.

“Newcastle United, their Foundation and football play a huge role in our communities. Our partnership will bring more opportunities for our young people to gain skills, socialise with their friends and to improve their health and wellbeing.

“Having the Newcastle United Foundation involved will be appealing to many of our young people, it will attract children who may not have engaged with these opportunities previously and support the offer already being delivered by Active North Tyneside.

“Having opportunities that are accessible to everyone is a priority for the Council, I am pleased Newcastle United Foundation share that ambition and look forward to hearing more about how much this has helped our young people.”

The partnership builds on the Council's previous investment of £25,000 through Active North Tyneside and delivered by Newcastle United Foundation, which has funded a range of free sports initiatives.

Steve Beharall, Newcastle United Foundation CEO, said: “We are delighted to strengthen our commitment to supporting North Tyneside communities, collaborating further with North Tyneside Council and Family Gateway to deliver positive change in the borough.

“By opening a dedicated space within Howdon Community Hub, Newcastle United Foundation programmes are now on the doorstep for residents to explore employability, personal development and health and wellbeing opportunities.

“We look forward to supporting and inspiring more people in North Tyneside to achieve their full potential.”

Julie Marriott, CEO of Howdon Community Hub, said: “This is an exciting opportunity for North Tyneside, bringing two trusted organisations together to create opportunities for young people and families.

“Our shared passion and drive will support us to harness the vision set by our community, ensuring everyone is given the opportunity to shine. We must work together for our children, our communities, and our future”

Sports sessions delivered so far include after school clubs for 7-11 year olds; weekly Disability Football sessions and clubs for adults and juniors; Friday night sessions for girls and boys aged 12-19; and Walking Football sessions at Hadrian Leisure Centre and Wallsend Boys’ Club.

For more information about the Foundation and programmes near you, follow Newcastle United Foundation on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X for regular news and updates.