Newcastle United Foundation Celebration Dinner honours community alongside Newcastle United

Inspirational achievements of North East community members connected by Newcastle United have been honoured at Newcastle United Foundation’s Celebration Dinner and awards ceremony.

The exclusive annual event returned to St. James’ Park on Tuesday night, recognising the remarkable journeys of young people and families achieving their goals to attain better physical and mental health, improved employability outcomes and to realise their potential with support from the Foundation.

Among the 400 guests at the black-tie fundraising gala were Newcastle United CEO Darren Eales alongside the Magpies’ first team, Newcastle United Women’s team and former players, Foundation supporters and participants.

Hosted by broadcaster and Newcastle United Foundation Patron Gabby Logan MBE alongside Sky Sports News’ Pete Graves, the annual dinner highlighted inspirational community members of all ages and backgrounds who are among the thousands of people regularly accessing the Foundation’s community hub – NUCASTLE, powered by Newcastle Building Society.

The prize-giving portion of the night saw award winners and their families meet with first team players, including Newcastle United player ambassadors, Dan Burn and Sean Longstaff, as well as Newcastle United Women’s team players, Amber-Keegan Stobbs, Elysia Boddy, Georgia Gibson and Shania Hayles.

Two true United greats were also inducted into the Newcastle United Hall of Fame with Len White and Mick Quinn celebrated for their extraordinary contribution to the club during their time on Tyneside.

Steve Beharall, Newcastle United Foundation Chief Executive Officer, said: “It is with genuine pleasure that we can reflect on our progress as an organisation while sharing the outstanding achievements of community members we engage and inspire through our programmes delivered across the North East.

“Our Celebration Dinner is our biggest single fundraising event of the year for our charity and our opportunity to showcase the real, life changing work made possible by the generosity of our supporters, funders and donors.

“As a Foundation, we are here to create opportunities and raise aspirations of children, young adults, families and older generations through more than one million hours of activity every year in the North East.

“The achievements of our award winners are evidence that we can be empowered to achieve our goals – from finding better physical and mental wellbeing, to securing an apprenticeship or playing sport in an inclusive environment with friends.

“We look forward to expanding our reach and impact across the region with the invaluable support of Newcastle United Football Club, the Premier League, and the generous funders, partners and supporters who make this possible.”

The first award of the evening was presented to Afrata, who arrived in the UK from Eritrea less than one year ago while only a teenager. She struggled to feel at home, feeling anxious, knowing no English and unable to communicate with others. Connecting with Newcastle United Foundation introduced Afrata to a 14-week personal development course, but the language barrier meant she withdrew from group activities. A residential trip was transformative for Afrata, allowing her to find her voice and make friends for life. She completed the programme with a public speaking presentation, where she shared her journey and growth. With newfound confidence and support from her mentors and friends, Afrata now studies healthcare and is building a future in her new community with dreams of becoming a doctor one day.

Ethan earned the Young Leader Award. Ethan had the life of any other teenager until his world was turned upside down by the loss of his father earlier this year. Bravely returning to school in September, Ethan began attending intervention sessions with Newcastle United Foundation to support his wellbeing and help rebuild his confidence in school. Ethan’s resilience developed, inspiring him to help others by becoming a Sports Leader. Using his passion for PE to visit primary schools and help young people access physical activity, he has become a role model and continues to make his family proud every day.

Yevheniia collected the Adult Learner Award. She was happy at home in Dnipro, Ukraine – managing her own business, meeting friends after work and spending time with family. But in February 2022, her life was changed forever by the trauma of war and Yevheniia was forced to flee Ukraine without her loved ones. Unable to speak much English, adjusting to life in the UK felt isolating and finding work or apprenticeships as a non-UK national proved difficult. Determined to build a future for herself, Yevheniia adopted an “English name” – Jane – and joined a Newcastle United Foundation employability course. While initially reserved, Yevheniia was supported through job interviews. She accepted every opportunity in front of her and has recently secured work in the tech industry to regain her confidence, her identity and to establish a new life in Newcastle.

Oli received the inaugural Inclusion Award. He was diagnosed with type 2 spinal muscular atrophy, a rare condition preventing Oli from walking or standing – but nothing could stop Oli from pursuing his passion for sport. Joining Newcastle United Foundation’s powerchair football team age nine, Oli, now a teenager, captains the team and by his side since the beginning has been his best friend and teammate, Alby. In 2019/20, the pair earned promotion to the National League Premiership, remaining undefeated in all competition and last season they earned their place at the FA Disability Cup Final. After spinal surgery earlier this year, Oli proudly joined Alby to be the first squad in more than a decade to wear Newcastle United kit supplied by adidas. Tragically, Alby passed away less than one month later. Oli is now more determined than ever to embrace every opportunity and take his team to the top in memory of his best friend.

Ella picked up the Local Hero Award. Ella struggled to feel comfortable anywhere – anxiety and poor mental health making everyday life overwhelming. Not sure where to turn, Newcastle United Foundation supported Ella when she felt ready to build her self-belief. At the start of her 14-week personal development programme, Ella was too anxious to contribute to the group, but during a residential trip, Ella’s love for the outdoors overtook her anxiety and she surprised staff and her peers by throwing herself into every activity. Understanding her own potential, Ella challenged herself to step out of her comfort zone further, joining a Foundation employability course. The course led directly to an interview for Ella who is now an apprentice outdoor activity instructor using her passion for the outdoors and her own experiences to inspire young adults on their own journey.

And to culminate the evening, Alisha collected the Community Champion Award. Alisha had a tough start in life – losing both parents in childhood, she often felt alone, struggling with school and fitting in with her peers. Alisha joined Newcastle United Foundation’s Premier League Kicks programme, finally finding a place where she belonged through her love for football. After a difficult period where she fell in with a negative crowd, the Foundation referred Alisha to the YOLO Early Intervention programme, helping her re-engage with school and to establish a routine. Working with the Youth Mental Health team, Alisha gained the coping skills she needed to manage her emotions and to improve her confidence. She has recently taken her GCSEs and now attends college. Her family could not be prouder of her transformation and Alisha has even rekindled her love for football. With the Foundation’s support and her own determination, Alisha’s future looks brighter than ever.

Newcastle United Foundation Celebration Dinner is principally sponsored by Newcastle Building Society, with Food Sponsor Bidfood, Drinks Sponsor Molson Coors, Legends Sponsor Robertson Construction and VIP Networking Sponsor True Potential / Harrison Foundation, with dedicated award sponsors creating an exceptional evening for all.

Award winners for 2024/25:
• Afrata – Helen McArdle Young Achiever Award
• Ethan – Young Leader Award, sponsored by Cool Designs
• Yevheniia – Adult Learner Award, sponsored by Consultive Solutions
• Oli – Inclusion Award, sponsored by Suzanne Clarke Life and Business Coach
• Ella – Local Hero Award, sponsored by First Class Supply
• Alisha – Community Champion, sponsored by Newcastle Building Society

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