Joining Newcastle United's Academy at the age of seven, teenage forward Ben Parkinson progressed through the Magpies' youth ranks and scored twice in his first four starts for Newcastle's under-21 side.

The Durham-born youngster scored nine goals in 16 competitive fixtures for United’s under-18 side last season, scoring three goals in two FA Youth Cup ties for the Toon teenagers, before signing his first professional deal with his boyhood club ahead of the 2023-24 campaign.

‘Parky’ made his first-team debut for the Magpies during a 3-2 pre-season friendly against Gateshead at the Gateshead International Stadium in July 2023 and travelled with Newcastle’s first-team squad for their Premier League Summer Series campaign in the United States.

More first-team appearances were made by Ben, featuring against Chelsea at the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Atlanta before making a late appearance against Brighton & Hove Albion at the Red Bull Arena in New Jersey.

The teenage striker was on target during Newcastle United Under-21s' 2-1 win against Blyth Town in the Northumberland Senior Cup final at St. James' Park.