Newcastle United has been supportive of leading UK youth charity on both a national and regional level for 10 years.

Newcastle United Foundation now supports 12 Teams of young people a year who enrol on the youth charity's 12-week personal development programme to improve their prospects by providing ground tours, specialist coaching and nutrition workshops, signed merchandise to help with fundraising and player appearances at celebration events.

Newcastle United Foundation has just completed one of the first ever "Get into Football Coaching" initiatives in the country in partnership with the Princes Trust.

Following the three weeks of intense study and practical work experience 12 young people aged 16 to 25 have successfully gained an FA Level 1 coaching badge.

The course aimed to equip unemployed young people with the skills they need to progress into a career in football coaching. Alongside practical coaching sessions and a work placement with experienced Foundation coaches in the October half term, the students also studied first aid and customer service and took part in CV writing workshops.

Leanne Martin was unemployed and claiming job seekers allowance before joining the course. The course has given her the confidence and skills to go to apply for University next year to become a PE Teacher:

"The whole course was life changing. The staff were always there when I needed them and I would definitely recommend this course to others".

Judith Stothard, Head of Programmes at The Prince's Trust said

"The Trust and Newcastle United Football Club, including its Foundation have always had a close relationship. Running one of the first ever Get Into Football Coaching programme in the country which has led to 12 young people gaining qualifications and the opportunity to move into employment is just the most recent example of the Foundation's commitment to the local community. We are delighted to be working in partnership and providing such fantastic opportunities for young people."

Newcastle United was awarded the Trust's prestigious Partnership Innovation award by HRH The Prince of Wales at the 2008 Celebrate Success event for its work with helping hundreds of the region's unemployed young people into work.