YolanDa Brown becomes Newcastle United Foundation Patron

Newcastle United Foundation is delighted to announce acclaimed musician, broadcaster and philanthropist YolanDa Brown OBE DL as a patron for the charity.

YolanDa Brown is a double MOBO Award-winning artist, recognised globally for her fusion of reggae, jazz, and soul. She has collaborated with world-renowned musicians and advocates passionately for music education and equality.

Her leadership roles include being Chair of BPI organisers of the BRIT Awards – she played a key role in bringing the prestigious Mercury Prize awards to Newcastle.

YolanDa joins Pete Graves, Gabby Logan OBE, Jonathan Edwards CBE and Bob Moncur as a Foundation Patron with a shared commitment to supporting and amplifying the activities of the Foundation which engages and inspires more than 70,000 people across the North East each year.

As a proud Newcastle United fan and the Foundation’s newest patron, YolanDa has seen first-hand the transformative impact of the Newcastle United Foundation’s work across the region.

Sharing her joy at becoming a patron, YolanDa Brown said: “I’m delighted and truly honoured to join Newcastle United Foundation as a patron, especially as a proud Newcastle United fan.

“I have seen first-hand the extraordinary reach and impact the Foundation has across the region, engaging and inspiring thousands of people each year through education, employability and community programmes. I am so passionate about equality of opportunity, helping people believe in their potential and giving communities the support they deserve.

“The football club brought so much joy last year, winning a trophy after such a long time and it reminded us all what it feels like to believe, to keep believing and to win.

“I want to support the Foundation, so more people can have that same chance to first find belief and then eventually win in their daily personal battles too, using the power of football as a force for good far beyond the pitch. I’m excited to champion the Foundation’s mission and help amplify its vital work.”

To kick off her patronage, YolanDa will host a Newcastle United fan talk-in at her London music venue and restuarant, Soul Mama.

The fundraising event, bringing together special guests from Newcastle United and Newcastle United Foundation, will be held as the Magpies travel to the capital in early February to face Spurs.

Further information on the event and tickets are on sale via soulmama.co.uk

Steve Beharall, Newcastle United Foundation CEO, said: “We are delighted to welcome YolanDa Brown as a patron for Newcastle United Foundation.

“YolanDa shares the Foundation’s values as a passionate advocate for young people, creating positive change through combining education, music and community.

“She brings a wealth of experience and influence to share the Foundation’s work internationally, attracting support and awareness to benefit communities across the North East. We are looking forward to working together closely to support the next generation.”

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