Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe made a surprise appearance to meet dozens of schoolchildren enjoying a special community football tournament with Newcastle United Foundation.
More than 120 children were invited to spend Wednesday afternoon at Newcastle United's Academy, taking part in Newcastle United Foundation's 1892 Cup - a competition bringing together schoolchildren from across the region to play at the Little Benton site.
Youngsters there were thrilled to meet Howe and members of his coaching team - Jason Tindall, Graeme Jones, Ben Dawson and Simon Weatherstone - who all took time out of a busy pre-season training schedule for the Magpies to visit young players enjoying the tournament organised by the Foundation.
Howe and his team were introduced to boys and girls' teams of year three and year four who each received a new 2022/23 season Newcastle United kit to wear during the cup tournament before taking them home as their own special memento of the day.
Each child also received a medal for taking part in the tournament, with the 1892 Cup presented to winning boys and girls' teams, with a Foundation Plate for runners-up.
Alongside the exciting visit from Howe, the schoolchildren were greeted with a display created by Wor Flags to provide a matchday atmosphere at the Academy.
Alex Curran, Acting Premier League Primary Programme Manager at Newcastle United Foundation, said: "It has been a day to remember for all of our young participants who have had a fantastic experience playing at Newcastle United's Academy and meeting Eddie Howe, which was an amazing surprise for them.
"Many of the children were supporting come from disadvantaged backgrounds, so we know it makes a huge difference in their lives to provide opportunities like this, as well as each participant now owning their own Newcastle United kit to wear with pride.
"The entire team would also like to thank Eddie and his team for spending so much time with our participants and for making this year's 1892 Cup such a memorable occasion for everyone involved."
The tournament has taken place annually since the inaugural 1892 Cup six years ago, furthering the club's relationship with its community and the Foundation.
Newcastle United Foundation's education team engages with more than 140 schools across the North East every year, delivering curriculum-based activities inside and outside the classroom and taking the Newcastle United crest into the community.