Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer praises Newcastle United Foundation’s ‘fantastic’ work during visit

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has praised the “fantastic” work of Newcastle United Foundation during a visit to the charity’s Newcastle community hub.

The Prime Minister spent a morning at NUCASTLE meeting participants supported by the Foundation through free programmes engaging children, young adults, families and older generations to be more active, learn new skills, be more employable and to reach their potential.

During the visit, Mr Starmer, alongside Chair of the Labour Party Anna Turley MP, Deputy Chair Lucy Powell MP and Newcastle MP Dame Chi Onwurah, met young adults not in education, training or employment who are receiving personal development support to enter the world of the work.

The group also spoke to secondary school students exploring opportunities in STEM as part of the Foundation’s commitment to support 11 – 25-year-olds, transforming the way the next generation exploring career options beyond full-time education.

Foundation staff members also discussed the charity’s positive impact for the 80,000 people they work with each year.

Speaking during the visit, the Prime Minister said: “I’m here to have a look at the work going on in this fantastic community hub with young people and adults who are playing football – in particular, 16 to 24-year-olds to help get them into work.

“The Foundation are building on skills which is incredibly important and the model that’s being delivered here is something we could roll out around the country.”

During the visit, the Prime Minister also met with Newcastle United Foundation CEO Steve Beharall and Managing Director Andrew Foster and Chair of Trustees John Marshall, alongside Newcastle United COO Brad Miller.

Steve Beharall, Newcastle United Foundation CEO, said: “Welcoming the Prime Minister to NUCASTLE is a significant moment for our charity and we are incredibly proud to introduce him to community we support here.

“The Prime Minister has seen first-hand the positive engagement we provide, particularly empowering young people to realise their potential through meaningful opportunities in STEM industries.

“By better connecting teenagers and young adults with life-changing opportunities in our region, we can close skills gaps in key sectors and provide positive outcomes for not only the next generation, but for the wider North East community.”

The visit also helped celebrate Pride in Place, the government’s programme which sees up to £5 billion given to nearly 250 areas across the UK. The funding and support over the next 10 years allows residents, business and community groups to lead on delivering improvements that matter to them.

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