On 6 June 2026, former Newcastle United players will take part in a charity walking football match at Gateshead Leisure Centre in Tyne and Wear to raise money for Age UK North Tyneside’s services for older people, including programmes that tackle loneliness and support people living with dementia. The event is organised by Age UK North Tyneside in partnership with Newcastle Legends Ltd and Gateshead Active.
Fans can buy general admission or VIP tickets to see the stars play walking football, a slower-paced version of the game designed for people over 50. The Newcastle Legends roster has historically included former players such as Steve Harper and Keith Gillespie, although final player confirmations for this match have not been announced.
The match is being held at a venue local people campaigned to save. The building is now run by Gateshead Active, the community group that took over management in 2024 after Gateshead Council closed the centre in July 2023; it was reopened under community management on 14 June 2024.
As well as watching the match, a limited number of local residents can apply for ‘community slots’ to play alongside the legends. Money raised from the day will go directly toward health, wellness and companionship activities delivered by Age UK North Tyneside and other local services in the North East.
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