Our stories

Support from Newcastle United Foundation has allowed Afrata to find her voice and make friends for life. 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.

As a young carer, Ruby is responsible for supporting her family and balances commitments at home alongside her own school studies. After finding the transition from primary to secondary school particularly challenging, an intervention from Newcastle United Foundation created a lasting impact on Ruby’s behaviour and mental wellbeing, boosting her school attendance and helping her enjoy education once more.

At age 46, James underwent surgery for a non-malignant cyst on his brain – the next day in hospital he suffered a stroke and was paralysed down his left side. James used a wheelchair for six months, navigating life with a brain injury as he did all he could to regain his independence. Doctors recommended James exercise to limit seizures, but it 14 years of recovery before he could consider playing sport. With signposting from a specialist charity, James was invited to join the Foundation’s specialist walking football sessions supporting participants with acquired brain injuries to enjoy staying active safely. James had never played football before but was euphoric after his first session. His confidence has improved so much, James now joins regular walking football session and is enjoying every minute of making up for lost time.

A series of significant life events saw Joe, an academic teenager, become so disruptive he was moved from mainstream education to a pupil referral unit. He left school with one GCSE, had poor mental health and no hope for the future. He became determined to make something of himself and after working with Newcastle United Foundation, he now aims to inspire other young people to achieve and be the best father to his little girl.

Kim’s life was turned upside down by a rare cancer diagnosis that saw her endure multiple surgeries and years of rehabilitation work. As a single parent, Kim did all she could to provide for her little boy and when NUCASTLE opened on their doorstep, it quickly became a home away from home.

Brooklynn was ground down by years of challenges disrupting her childhood, dealing with issues around homelessness, addiction, domestic abuse and suicide as she grew up.

Harry has been a football fanatic for life, playing the sport he loves from age 10 at Newcastle United Foundation’s Down Syndrome football club. He aspires to coach and uses Foundation and college development teams to hone his craft.

Lee’s turbulent childhood often left him without a safe space to call home. Now 16 and an apprentice with Newcastle United Foundation, he hopes to help change the lives of other young people.

Bunny qualified for support from Newcastle United Foundation’s Prince’s Trust TEAM programme. Following this support, social anxiety no longer held Bunny back in the safety of NUCASTLE, transforming their life to take on their first job as a runner for a TV and film production company – a dream come true for a young person who thought a bright future was beyond reach.

During Pride Month, Newcastle United Foundation is sharing Debbie’s journey to better mental health through support from the charity’s Be A Game Changer campaign and campaign champions, United with Pride.

During Men’s Health Week, Newcastle United Foundation is sharing Rumni’s journey to better mental health through support from the charity’s Be A Game Changer project.

Being trans is still a safety concern for me on a daily basis, which is why I have my safe spaces that I know well and that are familiar to me – like my church and, of course, St. James’ Park.