Newcastle United academy youngsters were given the opportunity of a lifetime as they were allowed to meet and enjoy a kickabout with their idols. The next generation of Magpies talents were invited to watch the first-team training session on Friday as Eddie Howe's side prepared for the Boxing Day clash with Leicester City.
Pictures show the starstruck children stood on the touchline and meeting with the head coach and the superstars who currently sit third in the Premier League. The likes of Sven Botman, Dan Burn, Joelinton, and Callum Wilson then participated in a small-sided game with the children.
The academy prospects were also able to join the senior squad for lunch where they were able to collect autographs and pose for photographs. Howe recently proved his determination to provide a pathway by calling up five rising stars for the recent training camp in Saudi Arabia, and the training ground gesture was the latest sign of the growing links between all areas of the club.
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Financial Fair Play prevents Newcastle from following the free-spending route taken by Chelsea and Manchester City in recent years. Sporting director Dan Ashworth has already warned the club can not afford to repeat the spending sprees of recent windows in the long-term.
The former FA technical director has also stressed the need to join up 'pathways' within the club, and see more talents follow in the footsteps of the likes of Paul Dummett and Sean Longstaff. Ashworth's vision is already evident in the club's transfer dealings, with Garang Kuol's imminent arrival the latest rising star to be recruited.
Speaking earlier this month, Ashworth explained: “All I can say is that I’m a former academy manager and I’m really passionate about giving young players an opportunity. But they have to be good enough.
“Football will decide if they’re good enough or not, but what we have to do as a club is give them the right people, the right coaching and the right pathway. And give them the opportunity to play - if they are good enough - in the top half of the Premier League.”
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