Presenting the Football and Sports Leadership Program at Newcastle United, open to all further and higher education students attending Newcastle University, Northumbria University, Newcastle College, and Newcastle University's international study centre.
Enhance your strategic leadership abilities in a premier setting, while representing Newcastle United in its distinguished black and white stripes.
The programme offers an exceptional opportunity to gain insights directly from business leaders at Newcastle United. Participants will benefit from exclusive access to behind-the-scenes perspectives of a Premier League club, providing a rare understanding of the operations and leadership that drive success at this level.
Alongside this, you will engage in a football development programme crafted and delivered by UEFA-qualified coaches. This coaching is designed to accommodate all levels of ability and performance, ensuring that every participant receives tailored guidance to support their growth and development within the sport.
Our carefully balanced timetable ensures that your academic commitments remain a top priority. You will have ample time to participate fully in the Football and Sports Leadership Programme, while still enjoying all aspects of student life in Newcastle.
All strategic leadership sessions are held either at St. James’ Park widely regarded as the most iconic stadium in the Premier League or at the Newcastle United Training Ground. These settings provide an inspiring and authentic environment for your development.
Football training and development sessions are conducted exclusively at Newcastle United approved locations, ensuring a professional and high-quality experience throughout the programme.
Each academic year, participants will have the opportunity to attend four Director Keynote Sessions hosted at St. James’ Park, the home of Newcastle United Football Club. These sessions are delivered by Newcastle United Club Directors and provide valuable insights into the workings of key departments within the club. Topics include Partnerships, Marketing, Retail, Venue operations, and People & Talent. Through these keynote sessions, students gain a comprehensive understanding of the strategic leadership and business functions that contribute to the club's ongoing success.
During the Marketing session, students can expect to explore how the club builds its brand, engages with supporters, and leverages digital channels to enhance fan experience and grow its global presence.
The Retail talk will offer a behind-the-scenes look at merchandise operations, including product development, sales strategies, and the role of retail in strengthening club identity and revenue.
The Venue Operations session will delve into the complexities of managing St. James’ Park, covering event planning, match-day logistics, hospitality, and how the venue contributes to the wider community.
The People & Talent session will focus on the club’s approach to recruiting, developing, and retaining staff, emphasising leadership, culture, and pathways for professional growth within the Newcastle United Code.
Collectively, these talks provide students with practical examples and real-world perspectives, helping them understand the multifaceted nature of running a Premier League football club.
Twice during each academic year, participants will have the opportunity to attend in-person panel discussions featuring Newcastle United Club coaching staff. These sessions provide valuable access to expert insights and experiences, as coaches share their perspectives on football development, training methodologies, and leadership within the club environment. The panel discussions are designed to enrich understanding and support the growth of each participant, offering a unique chance to engage directly with those responsible for shaping the club’s sporting success.
Participants will have the opportunity to attend a NUW Panel Discussion featuring the Head Coach and members of the NUW team. This session offers valuable access to expert insights as the Head Coach and team members share their perspectives and experiences. The discussion is designed to provide participants with a deeper understanding of football development, coaching techniques, and leadership within the NUW environment, supporting their growth and engagement within the programme.
Participants will enjoy an exclusive behind-the-scenes hospitality experience at St. James’ Park, the renowned home of Newcastle United. This unique opportunity is hosted by the Venue Director and provides valuable insights into the intricacies of match-day operations. Through this experience, attendees gain a deeper understanding of how the stadium functions during major events, including coordination, logistics, and the management of hospitality services. The session is designed to offer practical perspectives on venue operations, enhancing participants’ knowledge and appreciation of the professional environment that supports Newcastle United’s success.
As part of the programme, each participant will receive a Newcastle United welcome pack. This exclusive pack includes a Newcastle United home shirt, offering students a tangible connection to the club and its proud heritage. The welcome pack is designed to enhance the overall experience, allowing participants to feel truly integrated into the Newcastle United community from the outset.
Each participant is provided with a dedicated allocation of six hours of football coaching every week. This structured coaching schedule ensures consistent development and skill enhancement, allowing students to build their abilities through regular, guided sessions led by experienced coaches.
In addition to the weekly coaching hours, participants will have the opportunity to compete in ten fixtures throughout the academic year. These fixtures are designed to offer practical experience in match settings, enabling students to apply their training in real-game scenarios, further supporting their progress and engagement within the programme.
Only students who are currently enrolled or have an offer at one of the education providers below can apply now to the Football and Leadership Development Programme.
Want to join our programme but you don’t know which higher or further education course to study? Explore the wide range of courses on offer across the region via the links below.
Named ‘Modern University of the Year’ by the Times Good University Guide 2025, Northumbria University is a research-intensive university that creates opportunity for all. We break down barriers, transform lives and tackle the challenges that matter most. We don't choose between research excellence, social mobility and the skills the economy needs. We deliver all three, empowering people from all backgrounds to thrive.
At Newcastle College University Centre we offer high-quality, career-focused and practical degree courses to help you develop the professional skills demanded by employers. As part of NCG, one of the UK’s leading college groups, our links with employers, investment in dedicated industry-standard facilities, and career focused degrees offer a rich study alternative to those who will thrive learning in simulated real-world working environments from lecturers with vast industry experience in a supportive learning environment.
Choose from our range of undergraduate degrees across engineering, creative, and sport. Benefit from inspiring guest speakers, links with employers, live briefs from industry, valuable work‑experience opportunities, and practical, applied teaching. Academic, careers, and employability support is available to you, to help support and prepare you for your next steps.
