Newcastle United Foundation celebrates one year of NUCASTLE with community

Newcastle United Foundation is celebrating one year since opening its new home and welcoming the community to NUCASTLE, powered by Newcastle Building Society.

Open seven days a week since March 29, 2022, the Foundation has supported, engaged and inspired thousands of children, young adults, families and older generations at its innovative community centre located five minutes’ walk from St. James’ Park in Newcastle.

The hub, which was officially opened by Newcastle United Foundation Trustee Shola Ameobi one year ago, continues to fulfil its core purpose to help and encourage communities to engage in sport, develop skills, achieve qualifications, build confidence, and progress into further training or employment.

Within the facility topped by a spectacular 4G rooftop football pitch, schools, businesses, community groups and North East residents can enjoy education and wellness facilities, including an activity studio, specialist STEM room, esports room, four-court sports hall, accessible changing areas, event and meeting spaces, and more.

Since formally opening its doors to the public, NUCASTLE has provided 264 free football sessions for the community to enjoy, 1,595 schoolchildren have attended a STEM session on site and more than 880 hours of educational activities have been delivered across STEM learning, esports, careers and employability and Restart A Heart programmes.

Dozens of families regularly access NUCASTLE’s warm spaces provision while 100 per cent of participants attending free disability football clubs say sessions at the centre have improved their mental wellbeing.

Steve Beharall, Newcastle United Foundation CEO, said: “We are privileged to see the difference and positive impact that NUCASTLE has already had within the community since opening this state-of-the-art facility one year ago.

“NUCASTLE has provided a home for Newcastle United Foundation’s free and award-winning charity programmes and also somewhere for community members to feel at home.

“We are proud to offer this inclusive space for all to enjoy and look forward to welcoming many more community members to NUCASTLE for generations to come.”

Planning and fundraising to realise the Foundation’s vision of creating a safe and inspirational place for everyone to enjoy began seven years ago, with the site of the former Murray House Recreation Centre in Newcastle’s West End identified as a natural new home for the charity.

Building on a legacy of community support and engagement created by Murray House for more than 80 years, NUCASTLE’s innovative design comprising space for education, play, sport and socialising came to life with the generous support of community-minded organisations.

The Foundation hosted a ceremonial opening event on March 29, 2022, bringing together 300 guests including Foundation patrons, trustees, partners, funders, and participants joined celebrations at the community hub alongside Newcastle United first team head coach Eddie Howe and club captain Jamaal Lascelles.

A panel discussion at the event also saw North of Tyne Mayor Jamie Driscoll, Northumbria Police Chief Constable Winton Keenen and Premier League Head of Communities Nick Perchard discuss with Foundation staff and participants the social impact of NUCASTLE and the work of Newcastle United Foundation.

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