Youngsters in the north east are being asked to channel their ‘inner Tino’ and show off their football skills by taking part in a new campaign aiming to alleviate food poverty in the region.
Through the launch of #KickOutFoodPoverty, Newcastle Building Society and Newcastle United Foundation are encouraging football fans to recreate their favourite football moment, or put their personal stamp on an iconic goal celebration. Just by taking part, youngsters will be helping to raise vital funds for food poverty charities throughout the north east.
The UK’s no.2 freestyle football skills star Shannon Ghee helped launch the campaign, displaying some of her slickest moves on social media, while a team of freestylers were present at Monument, inspiring others to share their own skills on Instagram using the hashtag #KickOutFoodPoverty.
A judging panel including Toon legend Shola Ameobi and NUFC women’s captain Brooke Cochrane will pick a winner who will receive a signed United shirt, tickets to a toon match, and a VIP stadium tour of St James’ Park.
Brooke said: “I know there are some fantastically talented youngsters in the north east and whether it’s recreating Tino’s famous somersault celebration, or Papiss Cisse’s iconic goal against Chelsea, I’m sure there will be some serious skills on show.
“As well as enabling young people to show off their talent doing something they love, #KickOutFoodPoverty will make a massive difference to our communities by raising money to support charities addressing food poverty on our doorstep.”
For every entry to the competition, Newcastle Building Society will make a donation to benefit causes and groups tackling food poverty in the North East, as part of its commitment to communities in the North East, North Yorkshire and Cumbria.
Andrew Haigh, Chief Executive Officer at Newcastle Building Society, said: “#KickOutFoodPoverty is a fun initiative with a very important message, helping to address a desperately serious social challenge within our communities. Child poverty is rising faster in the North East than in any other part of the country, and food insecurity plays a significant part of this.
“As well as regular grant-giving through the Newcastle Building Society Community Fund at the Community Foundation, we’re always looking for new ways to engage and build a better future by making a real difference to people’s lives. Thanks to the skills, tricks and flicks of everyone who takes part, together we’ll help tackle food poverty this winter.”
The partnership between Newcastle Building Society and Newcastle United Foundation kicked off in 2020 when the Society committed £1.1m funding towards the development of the charity’s new home, NUCASTLE powered by Newcastle Building Society, which opened earlier this year. As part of the six-year partnership the mutual is also supporting the Foundations’ flagship employability programme NUFutures.
Find out how to take part in #KickOutFoodPoverty here: https://www.newcastle.co.uk/powering-communities/newcastle-united-foundation/kick-out-food-poverty
