Disabled children, young people and adults are getting new ways to stay active and to feel part of their club, as Newcastle United Foundation launches United for Inclusion, a programme supported by the Premier League Fans Fund.
The programme uses the reach and appeal of Newcastle United to build on the Foundation's disability provision, offering inclusive physical activity for disabled children, young people and adults. Parents and carers are involved too, and participants are connected with the club through heritage, stadium, matchday and social activities.
The aim is to break down the barriers to accessible physical activity and improve physical and mental wellbeing. The Foundation is working with the club and with fan groups including the Newcastle United Disabled Supporters Association (NUDSA).
To mark the launch, Nick Pope and Mark Gillespie joined a pan-disability football session at Wallsend Boys' Club.
Alex Curran, Senior Operations Manager at Newcastle United Foundation, said: "Their visit was made extra special as the Premier League kindly arranged for the Premier League trophy to be on site – participants were over the moon to see the trophy at their session and to meet two players who they idolise. Working together with the club and fan groups like the Newcastle United Disabled Supporters Association (NUDSA), we aim to address barriers to accessible physical activity to improve physical and mental wellbeing for all."
The Premier League Fans Fund gives grants to club charities in the Premier League, EFL, WSL 1 and WSL 2 to strengthen the connections between clubs, their fans and local communities, including schemes for under-represented groups and a more inclusive, welcoming matchday for everyone.
Following an initial £5 million commitment for 2023 to 2025, the Premier League has committed a further £5 million to the fund for 2026 to 2028, administered through the Premier League Foundation. In the fund's first phase, more than 100 projects engaged over 18,000 participants through nearly 9,000 sessions. In the 2026/27 season it will support 137 fan-led projects, on themes including community cohesion, education, under-represented fan groups, and health and wellbeing.
Nick Perchard, Premier League Director of Community, said: "Fans are at the heart of football, and the strong connection between clubs and their supporters plays a vital role in the success of the game and the communities it serves."
For the sport for good sector, United for Inclusion is a top-flight club using its pull to get disabled people active, with their families alongside them and a real place in the life of the club.
Source: Newcastle United Foundation, 28 October 2026 https://www.nufoundation.org.uk/news/newcastle-united-foundation-to-launch-project-for-fans-supported-by-the-premier-league