Former Newcastle United star Shola Ameobi surprised members of a community walking football team for a kickabout. Shola, who is a trustee with the Newcastle United Foundation charity, visited the NUCASTLE hub on Diana Street to join in a session.
And the players there were thrilled. Karen Scrivener – who once found herself in the England women’s national squad before injury hit, plays once a week. She said: “I’ve got arthritis in both hips now, so I only play once a week. I would play five times a week if I could. I just love it. The guys at the Foundation are amazing.
Shola Ameobi Playing Walking Football
“I got into the Women’s England squad when I was 21 but injured my leg so that was that. But then with walking football, I got into England’s walking football squad and so I’m playing again.”
Seeing Shola take to the pitch was brilliant, she said: “I’ve watched Shola for many years and to play football with him, to pass the ball and high five, all of that – I’m just ecstatic.”
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The charity supports more than 450 people a year with walking football sessions. The idea is to “inspire older players back into the game” and help people to improve fitness or get back to being active.
Another regular, Keith Emerson, loved the cameo from the former Premier League striker. He said: “He’s a little bit better than I am… moves about the pitch better. To have him here has been tremendous. I never thought I’d still be playing at my age. But here I am. We all just love it.”
Shola paid tribute to the work of the foundation and the fundraising support it receives through the People’s Postcode Lottery. He said: “To be able to see all these guys enjoying themselves, coming along, socialising, having fun, getting exercise – it’s been a real treat for me.”
The lottery supports the charity’s mental and physical health programmes to the tune of £3.3m. The support runs across Newcastle, North Tyneside, Gateshead and Northumberland.
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Author: The Walking Football
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