Courtesy of the official site

PRESS RELEASE 11/01/2001

Issued on behalf of Newcastle United Football Club

The Newcastle United Football in the Community Scheme, which was given official registered Charity Status on 4th December, starts up again next week after the Christmas break.

Newcastle United Football in the Community is a none profit making organisation which aims to provide the opportunity for schools to participate in a professional coaching programme at a minimal cost.

The resumption of the programme sees over 40 schools involved covering the whole of the north-east of England, from the borders down to Bishop Auckland as well as extending out to Haydon Bridge and beyond towards Carlisle. The courses involve a five-week coaching programme with the sixth week incorporating a tour of the magnificently appointed St James' Park.

The benefits of the scheme are numerous but include a structured school coaching programme related to the National Curriculum, quality coaching and skill development and an opportunity for the participating schools to win match tickets for games at St James' Park. As important, the programme also instils discipline and a code of conduct into the children and teaches them good habits which they can transfer into their adult lives.

In addition, during the February half term (19 - 22 February), the Football in the Community Scheme will be holding its half term football coaching courses at ten venues around the region.

Further details on the scheme are available from Richard Turner, Football in the Community School Liaison Manager, on 0191 261 9715 or through Julie Oxley on 0191 222 0134.

Ray Hankin, director of Football in the Community at Newcastle United said:

"We're delighted with the impact that the Football in the Community programme is having on our region and are looking forward to a very successful 2001. Having been given registered Charity Status, it adds another string to our bow which is very important for us."

For further information contact Newcastle United Press Office
Tel: 0191 201 8658
Fax: 0191 201 8617

-- Anonymous, January 11, 2001

Answers

The Club actually do a lot of splendid work with schoolkids that goes largely unrecognised and unsung, and for which they deserve a lot more credit.

Issuing a steady stream of Press Releases telling the facts is a good step forward.
Well done NUFC, and keep up this excellent work.

-- Anonymous, January 11, 2001

The Charity Committee at my work once touched NUFC for raffle prizes, and we were told that they that already given a football to the Inland Revenue, so no. Boro came up trumps though - and we're using their kind donation as the booby prize.

-- Anonymous, January 11, 2001

The programme normally carries details of the latest activities. Recently, there are pics of the first team members visiting the RVI and disributing Christmas presents - they looked genuinely happy to be there, particularly Steve Harper and Carl Serrant. In the same programme, there are pics of some kids from Kosovo who had been kitted out in United gear. Finally, details of Warren Barton and Aaron Hughes doing a prize-giving at a school in Hexham. Well done lads.

-- Anonymous, January 12, 2001

I went to school in Haydon Bridge, oh things could have been so different if they had tried this a few years ago!!

-- Anonymous, January 12, 2001

Did you have a French teacher called "Mr Graham"? Our prize-giver used to be either David Whatsit, the bearded botanist, or a local surgeon.

-- Anonymous, January 12, 2001

I knew Mr Graham but I was taught by Mrs Quincey and have derogatory remarks to make about them both but will wait until someone says, "That's my mum/dad you're talking about"!!

-- Anonymous, January 12, 2001

I know Mr Graham because I wanted to do special level French and my bleeding school wouldn't do special levels so he tutored me. Nice house.

-- Anonymous, January 12, 2001

I'm not saying anything then!!

Mrs Quincey had a moustache though and failed miserably when trying to stop us playing cricket in the sixth form common room.

-- Anonymous, January 12, 2001

LOL. Actually, I wasn't a great fan of Mr Graham so spill the beans...

-- Anonymous, January 12, 2001