Newcastle United heroes delight Foundation participants at Premier League session

Fabian Schär and John Ruddy have been getting to know school students learning on and off the pitch with Newcastle United Foundation and the Premier League.

Students enjoying a school day with a difference at the Foundation were thrilled to meet their heroes on the Foundation’s rooftop football pitch at its community hub, NUCASTLE, near St. James’ Park.

Schär and Ruddy joined pupils engaged in the charity’s NU Transition programme, supporting young people with developing confidence in new settings as they move from primary to secondary school.

Pupils asked the pair questions about their careers, the importance of teamwork and what they love most about being a professional athlete.

Andy Foster, Director of Programmes and Impact, said: “Transitioning from primary school to secondary education can be a real challenge for children to overcome as they enter an unfamiliar environment, following a different routine with new peers.

“NU Transition and funding from the Premier League and Professional Footballer’s Association allows us to ensure young people are supported when they need it most.

“Providing inspirational opportunities like meeting Newcastle United players here at NUCASTLE is one of the ways we can engage and inspire the next generation. For these young people to hear directly from their heroes how they manage change allows them to grow in confidence and to face new situations with assurance.”

The Foundation’s NU Transition programme is supported by the Premier League and Professional Footballer’s Association (PFA). Administered through the Premier League Charitable Fund, the funding helps football clubs to tackle inequality and respond to local challenges, supporting people and their communities to be more inclusive.

To support delivery, more than £26.7m of funding from the Premier League and PFA has been distributed to club community organisations by the Premier League Charitable Fund, to date.

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