Newcastle United Foundation celebrate International Women’s Day with Newcastle United, Sunderland and Middlesbrough players

Newcastle United Women, Sunderland AFC Women and Middlesbrough FC Women are inspiring the next generation of girls aspiring towards a future in football with Newcastle United Foundation.

In celebration of International Women’s Day (March 8), participants at one of the Foundation’s Premier League Kicks free, weekly sessions for girls welcomed four special guests representing North East clubs playing in the Women’s Super League, Women’s Championship and Women’s National League.

Following their session of small-sided games and skill-based activity, young players put their questions to Newcastle United Women’s Grace Donnelly, Sunderland AFC Women’s Louise Griffiths and Middlesbrough FC Women’s Kacie Elson and Sharna Wilkinson.

Players from all three clubs shared their journey to join the Magpies, Black Cats and Boro, sharing the challenges they have faced along the way and providing advice and encouragement to aspiring players.

Club captain and United’s longest-serving player, Donnelly, said: “At different stages, I’ve been in full-time education, working and playing football.

“It can be very difficult to balance everything – sometimes I would be leaving the house at 7.30am and getting back at 10.30pm. You have to make sure you stay organised and are always ready for the next day.

“On the days when you don’t feel as prepared, the culture of women’s football is that everyone supports other. Across the sport as a whole there is always that support there and it makes such a difference.

“I would encourage girls working towards a future in football to maintain that support and belief in each other.”

International Women’s Day is observed globally on March 8 each year and the 2025 International Women’s Day theme is to accelerate action. According to data from the World Economic Forum, it will take until 2158 – or roughly five generations from now – to reach full gender parity.

This year’s campaign emphasises the importance of accelerating efforts to eliminate barriers and biases that delay women’s equality and the opportunity for women and girls to reach their full potential.

Last month, Newcastle United Women captain, Amber-Keegan Stobbs was announced as the first woman to become a
Player Ambassador for Newcastle United Foundation and as an organisation, the Foundation delivers around 4,000 hours of physical football activity a year for 11 to 16-year-olds.

Girls’ Premier League Kicks sessions aim to provide an inclusive space for young women and girls to practice, play and socialise together through football. Premier League Kicks, funded by the Premier League through the Premier League Charitable Fund, uses the power of football and sport to inspire young people to reach their potential, in some of the most high-need areas in England and Wales.

More than 4,000 young people enjoy free, supervised Premier League Kicks sessions delivered by Newcastle United Foundation every year, with sessions available across the North East, from Berwick to Gateshead – click here to register.

Newcastle United Women will set a new Barclays Women’s Championship attendance record when they face rivals Sunderland Women at St. James’ Park on Sunday, March 23. Tickets for the Tyne-Wear derby are available online – click here for more information and to purchase.

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.