The Big Day Out by Newcastle United

Thanks to the funding from Meals and More we were able to provide an unforgettable ‘Big day out’ for 57 young people.

The children we invited on our days out were identified as being from particularly vulnerable and disadvantaged backgrounds who would not otherwise have been able access these activities due to financial implications.

NUCASTLE experience day

We approached Meadow well connected community centre to invite them to the first big day out. We identified them from the multiple deprivation statistics for the area (Meadowell falls in the Chirton ward which is within the 10% most deprived areas of the UK). The children we engaged with are predominantly on free school meals, come from council tenancy and have unemployed parents/guardians. The children involved are exposed to high levels of anti-social behaviour in the area that they live. It is important for us to show them what opportunities are available as a means of diversionary activities running on a weekly basis and to give them positive role models.

Breakdown of day out:

39 participants in total (22 Male and 17 Female)

9:15am – Children register at Meadow well connected community centre and board the bus. It was essential that we could provide travel for the children as many of their parents/guardians do not have a car or access to public transport.

10am – Arrive at NUCASTLE

The whole Group were split into two smaller groups and participated in 1 hour of commando Joes teamwork and building challenges including creating a river, tallest structure and a football stadium using a range of equipment. Their imaginations could run wild and they really developed their communication and resilience skills during these challenges.

Both groups also took part in an hour gaming session playing fall guys, FIFA, Rocket league and F1 ‘22. This provided the young people with the opportunity to take part in activities other children would take for granted as many of those we invited do not have a games console/PC. The group walked down to St James’s Park for a pizza and chips lunch followed by ice cream. Following their lunch the group went on their own private tour of St James’s Park with the chance to take photos and sit on their favourite players seats in the changing rooms and in the dug out.

Mo, participant “the bus journey was loads of fun but the rest of the day was even better. I can’t believe I got to sit in the changing rooms. I’d love to be a footballer”

Ellie, participant “my group were really good at the challenges, we worked together and kept trying even when it got difficult. We had such a fun day.”

Ami, participant “today was loads of fun. I really liked the teambuilding stuff and looking around the stadium. Level 7 was so high up I felt dizzy. Oh and the pizza was really tasty to”

Surfing experience day

18 Girls in attendance

The girls attending the big day out are regular attendees at our girls kicks sessions. Kicks is a diversionary free football session available to children within the area who love sport but can’t necessarily afford the affiliation fees or kit costs that come hand in hand with other grassroots clubs. Our kicks sessions are located in areas of social deprivation and high levels of antisocial behaviour, the sessions take place on Friday evenings to engage children that would otherwise have nothing else to do.

10am – Children registered, and the bus then departed NUCASTLE community hub to travel to Tynemouth beach.

11am – Tynemouth surf co gave the group a safety briefing and introduction to balance and technique to use when in the sea. They were able to try both surfing and wind surfing. The day had started off with clear skies and sunshine but soon ended with hailstones however it did not stop their fun and it was a struggle trying to get them out the water at the end! The girls had a fantastic time.

A large proportion of the group had never experienced surfing before so it made it extra special and being able to sit down afterwards with fish and chips and talk about their experiences with one another was just brilliant.

Sarah Burn, kicks coordinator:

“Wind surfing was just the icing on the cake!! We have never even thought of doing wind surfing before, but the girls thoroughly enjoyed it and said it was “The Best” even in that weather.”

Hannah, kicks participant “It was so much fun and very wet!’

Jamie, kicks participant  “It was a great chance to catch up with all my friends that I’ve got to know this year. I am really hoping that I will be able to see them all, as well as the staff team again next year!”

Toni, kicks participant "Today has been very very good! I enjoyed surfing! It's been so funny watching everyone fall off but I'm proud we could stand on the surf board. It's been fun"

Parent of kicks participant “my daughter has had the best day; she is usually quite nervous about trying new sports but she felt really safe with the NUF being there and the surf co staff really put her at ease as well. The fish and chips were a real treat for her. I can’t thank you enough.”

Thanks to Meals & More for making these Big day outs possible.