Newcastle United presented 'Football Club of Sanctuary' award | OneFootball

The Magpies became the first Premier League football club to be awarded 'Football Club of Sanctuary' status last year. Members of the Newcastle City of Sanctuary team subsequently attended the club’s final fixture of the 2024/25 season to formally present the award.

The club and its official charity arm, Newcastle United Foundation, received special recognition after demonstrating an outstanding impact on the lives of individuals seeking sanctuary within the community, through provision of a varied range of bespoke projects.

A number of joint initiatives across the city and wider North East region were highlighted as 'best practice'. This included backing of the Newcastle West End Foodbank and the 'A Helping Hand at Christmas' campaign, which supports vulnerable people in the region during winter.

Further work across the football club has seen additional staff training to understand more about refugees and asylum seekers alongside reaffirming ways in which discrimination is reported.

Commenting on being accredited with Football Club of Sanctuary status, Newcastle United's CEO Darren Eales stated: “It was a pleasure to welcome the Newcastle City of Sanctuary team to St. James’ Park on Sunday.

“Formally receiving Football Club of Sanctuary status is a testament to the hard work and dedication behind the scenes at Newcastle United and Newcastle United Foundation as we strive to be the best club possible, both on and off the pitch.

“We’re proud of the role that the club plays in ensuring that everyone feels at home in our city.”

Football Club of Sanctuary accreditation is part of the club and Foundation's long-term commitment to inclusivity, which is encompassed through the United As One brand. For more information, please visit here.