Opportunities are open for young footballers to represent Newcastle United Foundation in a national league while gaining a BTEC Diploma in Sport and other qualifications.

Partnered with Newcastle College and the National Football Youth League, talented players aged 16 to 18 can combine academic studies with practical football experience to bridge the gap between grassroots and academy football.

The Foundation’s team of UEFA A to B licensed coaches are preparing for a drop-in session and pre-season training in July, ahead of the next intake of the Men’s Football and Education Post-16 Development Programme.

Nathan is one player who made the move from youth leagues to don the iconic black and white stripes of Newcastle United and represent the Foundation at clubs across the country.

“The quality of the football is the highest possible outside of academy football,” said Nathan.
think the most exciting part about being involved with the Foundation is being able to represent and wear the Newcastle shirt and travel around the country to play other teams.

“I have developed as a person through gaining better communication skills from meeting lots of new people that I see every day as part of the course.”

The teenager from Cramlington was introduced to the programme that combines sports and studying by the Foundation’s experienced coaching team, led by Head Coach Terry Mitchell.

With four training sessions per week at Kirkley Park, including weekly fixtures, Nathan excelled on the pitch and in the classroom – combining a coaching syllabus mirroring that of the Newcastle United Academy and his studies towards a Level 3 Diploma in Sport with Newcastle College.

Nathan said: “I have been able to trial for a national team through developing as a player and I even had the opportunity to play at St. George’s Park as part of that trial – I would never have had that opportunity without the Foundation.

“The people at the Foundation have been a massive help to me because they take their own time to help you out and make it easy to understand.”

Tuition is free as part of the programme and delivered by Newcastle College in partnership with the Foundation, providing a pathway to further education or a career in coaching, sports science, teaching and more.

Extra benefits include access to the College’s facilities and state-of-the-art gym, as well as additional training opportunities at official Newcastle United venues and player support through strength and conditioning, performance and video analysis, nutrition, and physiotherapy.

• Drop-in session for Newcastle United Foundation’s Men’s Football and Education Post-16 Programme will be held at:

• Wallsend Boys’ Club, NE28 8SX between 10am and 12pm on Monday 20 February and Tuesday 21 February, for players aged 16 to 18

• Players must arrive fully ready to play, wearing training kit, suitable boots for an astro pitch, shin pads and drinks to stay hydrated during the session

• For more information, contact Head Coach Terry Mitchell by emailing terry.mitchell@nufc.co.uk or by texting 07583 978079

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