The Magpies take on London-based Aspire PFC at St. George's Park on Sunday in a winner-takes-all showdown to be crowned national cup winners. To add to the excitement, the game will be broadcast live on BT Sport as part of the FA Disability Cup finals weekend and is an opportunity for both sides to showcase the sport on the national stage.
United qualified via a 2-1 win over local rivals and previous champions Northern Thunder followed by two tense victories against Nottingham PFC and West Bromwich Albion Throstles.
The cup final appearance will be a milestone occasion for the developing talent at the Foundation. Captain and local lad Oli Crawshaw was recently part of the England emerging talent squad who were winners of the Development Home Nations, where he was joint top goalscorer.
Newcastle-born teenager Alby Morris has been in great form in front of goal this season and alongside the exciting Ethan Fisher has been involved in a number of England regional talent pathways. Fisher has been an integral part of the team's successes this campaign and has been dominant in a number of important games.
This may be the first experience of playing in a national final for many in the Newcastle squad, though this season's new recruit Sam Smith can draw on previous big-game experience having represented England at two major tournaments as well as scoring in last season's victory for Northern Thunder over West Brom. Smith switched clubs last summer.
He said: "The young talent at the Foundation, and their potential, is clear to see. I hope all the players can enjoy the occasion and enjoy the opportunities to appear on a national stage. Of course we are there to do a job and win but the experience of playing at St. George's Park is something we are all excited by."
Newcastle United Foundation's squad includes other experienced players like Lee Armstrong from Crawcrook and stalwart Aaron Guthrie from Monkseaton who both played a vital part in the journey to the final in the defensive area.
The combination of youth and experience in the squad is similar to what Howe can call upon, and has been a key factor in the Powerchair team having a successful season so far. Coach Jamie Harrison is hoping it’s enough to see his side lift the trophy at SGP.
He said: "It's an incredible achievement for this team that has only recently been assembled. A massive thank you must go to everyone that has supported the team along our journey – it makes a huge difference having the Toon Army cheering the team on."
The BT Sport live coverage of the FA Disability Cup finals spans the weekend of June 24th-25th, with Newcastle United Foundation's clash with Aspire scheduled for Sunday at 12.40pm.
