Former Newcastle United stars are expected to return to the pitch at Gateshead Leisure Centre in Tyne and Wear for a special charity walking football match on Saturday 6 June 2026. The event brings local football heroes together to raise money for community sports and is being held as part of the two‑year anniversary celebrations of the centre’s reopening under community ownership (June 2024).
Fans can expect to see former players including Steve Harper, Keith Gillespie, Rob Lee and Nikos Dabizas taking part for a Newcastle United Legends side against a team of local people. Walking football is a version of the game designed to keep people over 50 active: players must walk rather than run, the ball should be kept below head height and heading is not permitted.
Tickets for the afternoon are on sale via the Gateshead Leisure Centre website. Prices are: £12.50 for adults; £7.00 for under‑16s and seniors; and a family bundle (2 adults, 2 children) for £32.00.
One hundred percent of net proceeds from the match will support the Gateshead Active Community Fund, which helps subsidise swimming lessons and gym memberships for low‑income families in the NE8 and NE10 postcodes. The match also supports the ongoing work of the Newcastle United Foundation, whose walking‑football programmes help older adults stay active and tackle social isolation.
The leisure centre is fully DDA‑compliant, with level access to the main sports hall, dedicated viewing areas and accessible changing facilities for wheelchair users, and a quiet zone for anyone needing a break from noise during the event. Doors open at 12:30pm on 6 June 2026 and the match is scheduled to kick off at 2:00pm.
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