Kieran Trippier encourages Newcastle United Foundation’s resilient young sports leaders
Newcastle United full-back Kieran Trippier paid a special visit to students in Newcastle’s East End, sharing his personal journey and words of encouragement as part of Newcastle United Foundation’s NU Transitions programme.
The former England international met with young people supported by the Foundation’s targeted transition project, which helps students navigate key moments in their education – from moving into secondary school to preparing for life after Year 11.
Trippier spoke candidly about the highs and lows of his football career, including scoring in a World Cup semi-final and overcoming dips in form. He reminded students that setbacks are part of life – whether on the pitch or in the classroom – and that resilience and support from others are key to moving forward.
Trippier said: “Everyone makes mistakes and no one is perfect – in school, football, anywhere in life. There’s been many occasions where someone has made a mistake that’s cost us a game for example, but that’s when they need the right support.
“Football is just the same as school – if you make a mistake, you have your friends or teammates around you to support you. You need the right people in your life to lift you up and to do the same for others.”
The group of students were visiting Walkergate Community School in their roles as sports leaders – pupils applying their passion for PE to become mentors for younger pupils during PE lessons.
One sports leader who is a goalkeeper for her grassroots team outside of school shared her feelings of responsibility after losing a game recently, with Tripper sharing advice on overcoming defeat.
He said: “You can’t blame yourself. If you win, lose or draw, you do it together. The spotlight might be on the goalkeeper sometimes, but it’s never just one person’s fault.
“What’s important is trying again next time – if that’s in your next lesson or your next football game. You can always try again.”
The initiative provides targeted support to students identified as potentially struggling with transitions, focusing on social-emotional skills, aspirations and resilience.
Working with the NEAT Academy Trust in the East End of Newcastle, Newcastle United Foundation delivers interventions for Year 6 pupils preparing for secondary school and Key Stage 4 students at risk of becoming NEET – not in education, employment or training.
Sessions help young people build confidence, explore future opportunities and connect with pathways into further education or careers.
Newcastle United Foundation’s NU Transitions programme is supported by the Premier League and Professional Footballer’s Association. 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.
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