It has been six years since Newcastle United and Sunderland last contested the Tyne-Wear derby. March 20, 2016 was the last time these two bitter rivals went head-to-head - a game that saw the Magpies stop the six-in-a-row rot as Aleksandar Mitrovic bagged a dramatic late equaliser at St James’ Park.
A temporary truce between the two cities ends this Sunday at Swan Hunter Recreation Ground in Walker - the home of Newcastle East End FC - as the Magpies take on the Black Cats in a walking football match. The slower-paced adaptation of the world’s most popular sport emerged a decade ago and the North East is already home to several competitive sides.
Walking football mainly attracts those of an older persuasion but participants of all ages are welcome. Dave Noble, who organised the derby match to raise awareness for mental health, founded Last Legs FC in 2018 after becoming hooked on the pastime. The club have since earned recognition from the Newcastle United Foundation for their community work as part of the Be A Game Changer campaign.
