The seventh annual Newcastle United Foundation 1892 Cup brought together more than 120 children from across the North East to play at Newcastle United's Academy in a special celebration of the club's links to the community.
Youngsters were thrilled to meet Howe and members of his coaching team – Jason Tindall, Graeme Jones, Ben Dawson, Simon Weatherstone and Stephen Purches – who all took time out of a busy pre-season training schedule to surprise young players enjoying the tournament organised by the Foundation.
Howe and his team were introduced to teams of Year 3 and Year 4 pupils from 16 schools who each received a new 2023/24 season Newcastle United kit to wear during the tournament before taking them home as their own special memento of the day.
Each child also received a medal for taking part in the tournament, with the 1892 Cup presented to winning boys and girls' teams, with a Foundation Plate for runners-up.
Alongside the exciting visit from Howe, the schoolchildren were treated to a Wor Flags display for a matchday atmosphere at the Academy.
Andy Foster, Head of Programmes and Impact at Newcastle United Foundation, said: "The 1892 Cup is the highlight of the year for our young participants who we have been supporting through our Primary Learning and NU Futures programmes in schools.
"It is a privilege to provide such a unique opportunity for schoolchildren from across the North East to experience playing at Newcastle United's Academy and to meet Eddie Howe and his team is a huge surprise for these young people.
"We know it makes a huge difference in their lives to have experiences like this and each participant now owns their own Newcastle United kit to wear with pride – it's what the 1892 Cup is all about.
"The entire team would like to thank Eddie and his team for spending so much time with our participants and for making this year's 1892 Cup tournament a memorable occasion for everyone involved."
The tournament has taken place annually ever since kicking off with the inaugural 1892 Cup seven years ago, furthering the club's relationship with its community and the Foundation.
Newcastle United Foundation's education team engages with more than 140 schools across the North East every year, delivering curriculum-based activities inside and outside the classroom and taking the Newcastle United crest into the community.
For more information about the Foundation and programmes near you, follow Newcastle United Foundation on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter for regular news and updates.
