Players from the Magpies' Under-21 squad led a special outpatient event hosted at the Foundation’s community hub, NUCASTLE, followed by a stadium tour of St. James' Park and an exclusive Q&A session with the squad in the stadium's media suite.
Children attending the visit are engaged with Newcastle United Foundation's United for Health programme. The programme supports children living with various medical conditions and provides regular support from the Foundation.
The programme allows young patients to access the Foundation and Newcastle Hospital Charity's weekly adaptive sports sessions in the Great North Children's Hospital, designed specifically for chronically ill children, allowing them to re-engage with physical activity in a way that is safe, inclusive and supportive of their varied medical needs.
Aidan Harris said: "We had a training session with the children at the Foundation and we wanted to make sure they had the best time possible.
"I had so much admiration for them. I could not tell they were struggling because of their brave faces, full of enthusiasm and energy. It was brilliant to spend the day with them.
"I hadn't done something like this before but, as soon as I met them, I thrived of their own energy. They all turned up in their Newcastle kits so you could tell it was big for them and, with us representing the club, we made sure they enjoyed it as much as possible and could at least forget about their illnesses for the time they spent with us."
United for Health is a Players’ Project Pilot, supported by the Premier League and Professional Footballers’ Association. The Players’ Project Pilot aims to build stronger connections between players, communities and football clubs by putting players at the heart of local projects that help to address important societal issues.
This season, 17 projects are being delivered across England and Wales by professional football club charities and player foundations supported by the Premier League and PFA in their local communities.
Projects are developed in collaboration with current and former professional football players and scholars, to enhance the impact on participants. Funding is distributed by the Premier League Foundation.
Leo Shahar added: "We took the children on a stadium tour, showing them the pitch and the dressing room as well as what goes on during a matchday. They seemed to really enjoy their day.
"They are going through difficult times so it's always good to make their day in a positive way. It means a lot to me because one day out of my life could make their day or year. To do that makes me happy.
"I give them so much credit. I've talked to a few of them and not once have they complained about the problems they face. They were having a lot of fun, speaking about generic things.
"To give back to the community and the people of this city is always good. Playing for the club means a great deal and, sometimes, you can be in your own bubble as a footballer. Days like this make you appreciate how fortunate you are and understand what you can do to make peoples' lives better."
