The Italian international stunned young pupils by joining their multi-skills and enrichment session during his recent visit to the Foundation’s community hub.

While finding out more about community work delivered across the North East by the official charity arm of Newcastle United, Tonali greeted children enjoying physical activity through their school's partnership with the Foundation and funding partners First Class Supply.

The Year 6 group were able to ask Tonali questions including what inspired him to play football, who his idols are and his favourite teams to play both at home and away.

Following the question-and-answer session with the class, Tonali went on to sign autographs and chat to young supporters starstruck by meeting their hero during their school day with Newcastle United Foundation.

Andy Foster, Director of Programmes and Impact at Newcastle United Foundation, said: "We are delighted to provide meaningful opportunities for our community as we understand the profound impact meeting your heroes can have on young people.

"By speaking to Sandro, these participants can see how their enjoyment of sports and staying active in school can shape a future career. Multi-skills sessions made possible through funding from First Class Supply introduce schoolchildren to what can be achieved through sport to follow in the footsteps of their idols."

Through the Foundation's longstanding partnership with First Class Supply, more than 310 schoolchildren enjoy regular, one-hour multi-skills sessions at NUCASTLE, powered by Newcastle Building Society, and in primary and SEN schools across the North East.

Multi-skills sessions inspire and engage children in improving their communication and coordination through sport and skill-based activities, alongside PSHE and Restart A Heart CPR training sessions.

Lesley Robinson MBE, Managing Director at First Class Supply, said: "Everyone at First Class Supply is so proud of our longstanding relationship with Newcastle United Foundation.

"It has been a great source of pride to have been working with this fantastic organisation and to see the impact our partnership has made to the lives of so many local children and young adults at risk.

"We look forward to many more years working in together with the Foundation, supporting them in all they do to change the lives of so many in our local community."

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