Newcastle United boast one of the most passionate and well-supported fanbases in world football. The Toon Army’s reach stretches across the globe, with supporters clubs in the United States, South America and the Middle East.
The Magpies’ fortunes even captivate the imaginations of those within some of the most disadvantaged nations on the planet. Over 4,500 miles away in West Africa, a group of Newcastle fans in Bo Town, Sierra Leone, are in desperate need.
Gateshead-born Olly Hawkins - who runs fan site NUFCBlog.co.uk - aims to raise money to fund their Newcastle United football academy. Around 50 young footballers at U12 and U14 levels use the facilities to hone their skills but also as a refuge where poverty-stricken children can eat.
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Olly explained how he made contact with the football academy - which opened in 2016 - before setting up a Go Fund Me page. He told ChronicleLive: “The blog received a Facebook message from the academy's chairman, Yusuf Kowa, two years ago.
“Yusuf told us their story and we were immediately keen to support a brilliant project that does so much good work for underprivileged kids in Sierra Leone. We raised over £500 back in 2020 but that money has only gone so far and we are calling on Newcastle fans and the club itself to support this worthy cause.”
On a planet where Manchester United or Liverpool shirts are more common worldwide, you may be wondering why Yusuf chose Newcastle as the club to base his academy on. The answer, however, may take you by surprise….
“Yusuf's father came to study in England several years ago and made friends with a few Newcastle fans during his time here,” Olly added. “He became an adopted Geordie and, after getting his degree, travelled back home with books and magazines, telling people about Newcastle United.
“His stories went down well and he set up a fan club in Sierra Leone dedicated to Newcastle but, just as interest grew, he sadly passed away. His son, Yusuf, took over as chairman and wanted to continue his father's work. So, he transformed a Newcastle fan club into an academy that gives underprivileged kids at U12 and U14 level the chance to play football.”
The ultimate goal of the academy is to be officially recognised by the club and produce a player for Newcastle in the future. It may seem a pipe dream for now - given the quality of life observed in the country - but Olly is keen to help make that a reality.
Sierra Leone ranked 182 out of 189 in the 2019 Human Development Index - highlighting just how brutal living conditions can be in a country marred by conflict in recent decades. Olly provided sobering insight into how desperate the situation is for the young Toon fans and how your money will make a difference.
“Sadly, many of the 50 plus children within their academy struggle to get three meals a day and have limited resources for school,” he said. “Your donations would go towards clean water, food, medical kits, learning materials, training kits, footballs and goalposts.
“We would also appreciate any Newcastle kits you have lying around at home, as we would love to send over a few shirts for them to wear!
“Please give what you can to support this brilliant academy that’s close to our hearts, as you will not only be funding the health and happiness of our newfound friends in West Africa, but helping them pursue their Newcastle United dream.”
To donate to the Sierra Leone Newcastle United academy, click here for the Go Fund Me link.
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