Play on the Pitch at St. James’ Park in Newcastle United Foundation Cup tournament

Would-be footballers of all ages can fulfil their dreams of scoring in front of the Gallowgate End as Newcastle United Foundation’s Play on the Pitch tournament returns to St. James’ Park.

Would-be footballers of all ages can fulfil their dreams of scoring in front of the Gallowgate End as Newcastle United Foundation’s Play on the Pitch tournament returns to St. James’ Park.

Teams of colleagues will be following in the footsteps of Newcastle United greats in May 2022 as the official charity arm of the club once again hosts its corporate cup at the stadium, principally sponsored by Liontrust.

The five-a-side tournament is the opportunity of the lifetime for Magpies supporters to enjoy more than 45 minutes of guaranteed playing time on the pitch in a knockout competition to secure Newcastle United Foundation silverware.

The unforgettable event for teams of up to eight players on Friday, May 20, also includes professional refereeing, team photography, tournament awards, tours of St. James’ Park and more to provide a stadium experience like no other.

Steve Beharall, Head of Newcastle United Foundation, said: “We are proud to once again host Play on the Pitch for our community at St. James’ Park – it’s a truly unique experience and one we know has been missed from our events calendar during the pandemic.

“The unmissable opportunity to play at the home of Newcastle United is made possible thanks to the support and generosity of the club and our sponsors, Liontrust, and together we look forward to would-be players lacing up their boots and getting onto the pitch for an amazing team experience.”

Corporate packages available for £1,195 per team include at least four 12-minute matches guaranteed per team, a pre-packed light lunch, post-match hot fork buffet, beers and presentation, Player of the Tournament Award, professional team photo, medals for winners, runners-up and more.

Family, friends and colleagues can support corporate teams from the stands with free entry to St. James’ Park on the day from 9.30am.

Play on the Pitch 2022 also includes an opportunity for aspiring young players to get a taste of playing in a professional stadium with Newcastle United Foundation’s UEFA-licensed staff leading children’s coaching sessions on the pitch from 3.45pm.

Parents and guardians of children aged five to 11 will be able to see their little footballers on the pitch from seating available in the Milburn Stand. Children’s coaching sessions at Play on the Pitch are priced at £40 per child.

Liontrust – a valued supporter of Newcastle United Foundation through its Financial Football programme – are principal sponsors of Play on the Pitch 2022.

Simon Hildrey, Chief Marketing Officer at Liontrust, said: “Liontrust is proud to extend our support to schools in Newcastle by providing pupils with the chance to play at St. James’ Park.

“It is a dream of any fan to be able to play on the pitch of their idols and we are pleased to offer schoolchildren this opportunity.

“We have been delighted with the impact of the Financial Football numeracy programme that has been running in partnership with Newcastle United Foundation in primary schools and are always looking for ways in which to generate even more engagement.”

Corporate cup team entries and children’s coaching sessions are limited and are secured on a first come, first-served basis. Terms and conditions apply – see here for more details.

To book a Play on the Pitch corporate cup team, children’s coaching session or to find out more information, email foundation.events@nufc.co.uk

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