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Players Pay Foundation Visit To Wallsend
Written by Newcastle Utd
Ryan Taylor and Mehdi Abeid visited Wallsend Jubilee Primary School as part of the Toon Times programme
Newcastle United players Ryan Taylor and Mehdi Abeid went back to school on Thursday afternoon as part of a hugely successful educational programme operated by the Newcastle United Foundation.
Toon Times, which has reached almost 11,000 youngsters in the North East since its launch three years ago, focuses on Newcastle United's long and colourful history and uses the power of football to bring classrooms to life; helping to improve literacy and learning techniques.
While classes usually focus on historic artefacts, props and photographs, Thursday's lesson at Wallsend Jubilee Primary School saw Taylor and Abeid join children in a special quiz to test them on their knowledge of all things Black and White.
The pair were also on hand to open a new gym area at the school on behalf of leading North East teaching agency, First Class Supply.
Taylor, who into his sixth season with the Magpies, said: "It's a privilege for us to support the amazing work that the Newcastle United Foundation does and to get out to visit young fans in schools.
"We had a great time getting involved in the lesson with the kids today.
"It's easy to see how much they love football so Toon Times is a perfect way for them to learn good habits at school at such a young age."
Gavin Ferry, Project Co-ordinator, said: "The Newcastle United brand helps us engage with hundreds of young people every week.
"With Toon Times, we're bringing history to life in a way that young people really can relate to.
"It's fantastic that Ryan and Mehdi have visited today's session and seen for themselves how we're working with young people to spread the word of Newcastle United's past."
Toon Times is funded by the Premier League, Heritage Lottery Fund and First Class Supply.
With their support, a Toon Times exhibition was commissioned at Newcastle's Discovery Museum from February 2014 to October 2014 and attracted more than 350,000 visitors - breaking visitor-number records.
The exhibition featured NUFC treasures including souvenir programmes, historic and modern day strips, as well as silverware collected over the years.
Visitors were able to experience some of the famous features of the 'beautiful game' such as a recreated dug-out and the tunnel through which the players pass before walking on to the pitch.
To find out more about the Newcastle United Foundation and how to sign up to a wide range of courses in your local area, please click here or call 0844 372 1892 (ext 8451).