Our stories

A shy teenager who struggled to connect with her peers now has a whole team of new friends to get to know at Newcastle United Foundation's Down Syndrome Football Club sessions.

Harry has been a football fanatic for life, playing the sport he loves from age 10 at Newcastle United Foundation’s Down Syndrome football club. He aspires to coach and uses Foundation and college development teams to hone his craft.

The life James knew as a teenager slipped away in an instant when he sustained a brain injury. Recovery to regain independence would be grueling, but of all the new challenges James was facing, it was rebuilding his self-confidence that proved the hardest.

At age 46, James underwent surgery for a non-malignant cyst on his brain – the next day in hospital he suffered a stroke and was paralysed down his left side. James used a wheelchair for six months, navigating life with a brain injury as he did all he could to regain his independence. Doctors recommended James exercise to limit seizures, but it 14 years of recovery before he could consider playing sport. With signposting from a specialist charity, James was invited to join the Foundation’s specialist walking football sessions supporting participants with acquired brain injuries to enjoy staying active safely. James had never played football before but was euphoric after his first session. His confidence has improved so much, James now joins regular walking football session and is enjoying every minute of making up for lost time.

A series of significant life events saw Joe, an academic teenager, become so disruptive he was moved from mainstream education to a pupil referral unit. He left school with one GCSE, had poor mental health and no hope for the future. He became determined to make something of himself and after working with Newcastle United Foundation, he now aims to inspire other young people to achieve and be the best father to his little girl.

Kim’s life was turned upside down by a rare cancer diagnosis that saw her endure multiple surgeries and years of rehabilitation work. As a single parent, Kim did all she could to provide for her little boy and when NUCASTLE opened on their doorstep, it quickly became a home away from home.

Lee’s turbulent childhood often left him without a safe space to call home. Now 16 and an apprentice with Newcastle United Foundation, he hopes to help change the lives of other young people.

Being trans is still a safety concern for me on a daily basis, which is why I have my safe spaces that I know well and that are familiar to me – like my church and, of course, St. James’ Park.

A teenager who "hit rock bottom" dealing with anxiety and low mood is smiling and laughing again following youth wellbeing support from Newcastle United Foundation.

Dedicating more than a decade to the North East's first and only LGBTQ+ football team supported by Newcastle United Foundation, the 35-year-old is a keen advocate for inclusion, diversity, and acceptance for all through the sport he loves.

Newcastle United Women captain Brooke Cochrane has been named as a Be A Game Changer ambassador with Newcastle United Foundation, strengthening her commitment to raising mental health awareness for all.

As a young carer, Ruby is responsible for supporting her family and balances commitments at home alongside her own school studies. After finding the transition from primary to secondary school particularly challenging, an intervention from Newcastle United Foundation created a lasting impact on Ruby’s behaviour and mental wellbeing, boosting her school attendance and helping her enjoy education once more.