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Goal-Lotta Love for Shola
Newcastle United favourite stuns community team with surprise training session.
Former Newcastle United striker and fans favourite Shola Ameobi left a community football team gobsmacked when he surprised them by turning up for training.
Shola, who made 397 appearances for the club and is now a Trustee for Newcastle United Foundation, paid a visit to the charity’s walking football project, to learn more about the initiative players describe as "life-changing".
The striker took to the pitch for a game at the NUCASTLE community hub, just a stone’s throw from Shola’s beloved St. James’ Park.
Shola said: "To be able to see all these guys enjoying themselves, coming along, socialising, having fun, getting exercise - it’s been a real treat for me."
Newcastle United Foundation brings football to all ages and abilities, delivering community and education projects across Newcastle, North Tyneside, Gateshead and Northumberland - to help improve mental and physical health. Players of People’s Postcode Lottery have raised more than £3.3 Million for the charity to support its work.
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Karen and Keith are regular players at the walking football sessionsThe Foundation’s walking football sessions aim to inspire older players back into the game, helping those who want to improve their fitness or who been inactive for a while, or are coming back from an injury.
Karen Scrivener became "obsessed" with football after being given one as a present from her grandmother when she was two years old. She has been playing ever since.
Karen said: "I’ve got arthritis in both hips now, so I only play once a week. I would play five times a week if I could! I just love it. The guys at the Foundation are amazing.
"I got into the Women’s England squad when I was 21 but injured my leg so that was that. But then with walking football, I got into England’s walking football squad and so I’m playing again."
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Keith and Shola share a joke on the pitchA regular member of the Foundation’s weekly sessions, Karen was left stunned by Shola’s surprise appearance.
"I’ve watched Shola for many years and to play football with him, to pass the ball and high five, all of that - I’m just ecstatic," said Karen.
Keith Emerson, is another regular player and was grinning from ear to ear when offered the chance to play with the popular former striker.
Keith laughed: "He’s a little bit better than I am… moves about the pitch better!
"To have him here has been tremendous.
"I never thought I’d still be playing at my age. But here I am. We all just love it."
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Hundreds of players benefit from the community programme each weekFunding from Postcode Lottery players helps support the Foundation to run community programmes and Shola is in no doubt the difference it’s making.
Shola said: “I want to say a huge thank you to the players of People’s Postcode Lottery. Their help allows initiatives like this to happen week in, week out and here at the Foundation, we are so appreciative of that.”
Making A Difference
People's Postcode Lottery players are helping deserving causes like Newcastle United Foundation make a difference every single day. Read more about the range of Charities our players support.