Foundation honours real sporting heroes
GRASSROOTS champions and inspirational local heroes had their commitment and community work celebrated at the United As One annual Newcastle United Foundation Awards Dinner, principally sponsored by Atom Bank.
More than 400 guests, including Newcastle United players, gathered at St James’ Park to reward coaches, coordinators and participants making incredible strides to success with the club’s official charity.
The 11th annual dinner – an exclusive black-tie gala event hosted by Foundation patron and BBC sports presenter Gabby Logan – honoured individuals accessing Foundation programmes which are inclusive of all ages, ability, ethnicity, faith, gender and sexuality.
The prizegiving portion of the night saw Magpies’ skipper Jamaal Lascelles, Andy Carroll, Paul Dummett, Sean Longstaff and Isaac Hayden present awards, teammates Matty Longstaff, Matt Ritchie and Jetro Willems also meeting with award winners.
Two former Magpies, David Craig and Rob Lee, were also inducted into the Foundation Hall of Fame, while guests heard from Fairs Cup-winning captain Bob Moncur in the 50th anniversary year of Newcastle’s famous triumph.
Steve Beharall, acting head of the Foundation, said: “The Foundation’s annual awards dinner is always an inspirational and moving event for
James Geddes, winner of the Adult Learner Award and Christopher McDonnell, winner of the Disabled Player of the Year Award at the Newcastle United Foundation Awards Dinner, speak to event hostess Gabby Logan. Pictures: SERENA TAYLOR many as we share the stories of the players, participants and staff who are going above and beyond to achieve their dreams.
“This year, the United As One theme has highlighted the progress we are making to develop and encourage inclusivity in football and our award winners reflect that.
“Every one of them has worked incredibly hard to get to where they are today and we are very proud of the achievements. We hope their success encourages anyone and everyone to seize opportunities to play sport, find work or even just try something new with the Foundation.”
The first award was presented to Tilly Stewart, who secured the Helen McArdle Young Achiever Award to highlight her journey to a confident young football player thanks to coaching at Premier League Kicks sessions.
Imran Ali scooped the Young Leader Award, recognising his exceptional leadership as a young person who has become a role model for others he supports in his role as Newcastle United Foundation Project Officer.
Disabled Player of the Year Christopher McDonnell was honoured for his perseverance, talent and dedication playing for the Foundation Down’s Syndrome football team.
James Geddes earned the Adult Learner Award.
The teenager first came into contact with Foundation staff at the Great North Children’s Hospital, where he receives regular treatment for leukaemia.
Despite his gruelling routine, Geddes has completed a Prince’s Trust programme with the Foundation and has already got his career going.
Newcastle United Foundation’s Women and Girls’ Development Officer Lisa Bell collected the Alder Sweeny Community Impact Award.
The accolade is presented in honour of John Alder and Liam Sweeney, two Newastle United supporters who lost their lives in the MH17 disaster.
Bell was also recognised for her outstanding contribution to grassroots football and the development of the women’s and girls’ game.
Newcastle United Panthers’ chairman, captain and centre-half John Harper collected the inaugural United As One Award.
Harper has overseen the rapid growth of the Panthers, Newcastle United Foundation’s inclusive football team which welcomes players regardless of their gender, sexuality or race.
Les Peacock, a keen advocate of the Foundation’s Be A Game Changer mental health awareness campaign, picked up the United As One Highly Commended honour.
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Justsport Centenary Cup - round one: Wallsend Rangers v Benwell Sports.
Bob Younger Association Cup - round one: West Denton Social v Blakelaw Social; Heaton Meadowfield v Marlborough Social.
B Division: Scotswood Social v Cosy Dove. GATESHEAD AND DISTRICT SUNDAY LEAGUE Premier Division: Birtley Hanlon v Thomas Wilson; Saltwell SC v A1 Allerdene; Stormont Main v Blue Star.
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Durham County Cup - round two: Greenside v Shildon Elm Road WMC.
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Heart Foundation Cup - preliminary round: Chilton and Windlestone WMC v Leam Rangers; West Auckland The Club v Saltwell SC; Witton Gilbert v Nursery House.