Newcastle United Foundation join North East women’s teams to celebrate International Women’s Day

Newcastle United Women, Sunderland AFC Women and Middlesbrough FC Women giving to gain for the next generation in celebration of International Women’s Day.

Premier League Kicks participants who access free, weekly sessions for girls welcomed five special guests representing North East clubs playing in the Women’s Super League, Women’s Championship and Women’s National League.

Following a session of small-sided games and skill-based activity, young players put their questions to Newcastle United Women’s Emma Kelly and Beth Lumsden, Sunderland AFC Women’s Louise Griffiths and Jessica Brown, with Middlesbrough FC Women’s Lauren Robson.

Players from all three clubs shared their journey to join the Magpies, Black Cats and Boro, sharing the challenges they have faced along the way and providing advice and encouragement to aspiring players.

Speaking to the group of aspiring young players, Newcastle United Foundation Player Ambassador and Newcastle United Women’s midfielder, Kelly said: “My advice would be, if you want to have a career in football and for this to be your full-time job, you’ve got to be ready for the journey to be a big roller coaster.

“You’re going to get lots of highs and lots of lows. Sometimes you might find it really challenging and you might want to stop playing and other times you’ll have a really long stretch of loving football, and you’ll think it’s the best thing to ever happen.

“Sometimes looking back, I would get too upset with the lows and too high with the highs. You’ve just got to ensure you enjoy every moment equally – even the bits that you find hard – enjoy it because there’s a lesson.”

International Women’s Day is observed annually on March 8, and the 2026 theme ‘Give to Gain’ highlights the power of support, generosity and collaboration to expand opportunities for women and girls.

Last month, Newcastle United Women’s Kelly became a Player Ambassador for Newcastle United Foundation, helping to champion the Foundation’s delivery of sessions including girls’ Premier League Kicks.

Dedicated girls-only programmes aim to provide an inclusive space for young women and girls to practice, play and socialise together through football.

Premier League Kicks, funded by the Premier League through the Premier League Foundation, uses the power of football and sport to inspire young people to reach their potential, in some of the most high-need areas in England and Wales.

More than 4,000 young people enjoy free, supervised Premier League Kicks sessions delivered by Newcastle United Foundation every year, with sessions available across the North East, from Berwick to Gateshead – click here to register.

For more information about the Newcastle United Foundation and programmes near you, follow Newcastle United Foundation on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok and X for regular news and updates.