Foundation putting best fut forward

NEWCASTLE United Foundation have launched a BTEC Sport futsal programme in partnership with Heworth Grange School in Gateshead.

The initiative is designed to give school-eavers aged 16 and 17 a pathway into careers across the sports industry.

Students will represent Newcastle United in the EFL Trust Futsal Programme, a competition which provides 16-19 year olds with the opportunity to represent and play against other EFL and Premier League clubs in a high-quality national competition alongside studies.

Heworth Grange has a proven track record of developing futsal players, former students Adam Byron and Drew Hodgson (left) involved in the England under-23 and England under-19 squads respectively.

The school also has a number of former students who are playing futsal in the FA Super League and at university level in BUCS competitions.

Steve Beharall, Operations Manager at Newcastle United Foundation, said: “We are delighted to be working with Heworth Grange to offer young people the chance to study towards a career in sport and have the chance to represent Newcastle United in the EFL.

“It is a really competitive league and we want our team to make a real impact.”

The programme will be delivered by Bruce Vause, a coach at Northumbria University who is also employed as a futsal coach educator by the FA.

Vause, head of Post 16 at Heworth Grange School, said: “This partnership is exciting for the young people in our community.

“With the support of the Foundation we will endeavour to deliver a high-quality futsal programme which will support students in their academic and sporting development.”

Interested students and parents are invited to attend a Post 16 Open Evening on Thursday, January 17 at Heworth Grange School, High Lanes, Gateshead (5.30-7.00).

To confirm a place at the open evening, or for further information, email Bruce.Vause@ heworthgrange.org.uk.