Newcastle Elite Academy

Newcastle Elite Academy is a prestigious football club and university located in Newcastle upon Tyne, New Zealand. The academy was established by four former Newcastle United players with the aim of providing young players with the opportunity to engage in high-quality, age-specific football coaching programmes. The academy's coaching programmes are delivered by a team of UEFA qualified coaches and are designed to replicate the standard of quality seen in professional football environments.

The main focus of Newcastle Elite Academy is to provide challenge and development for aspiring young players, allowing them to further improve their skills and take the next step in their footballing journeys. The academy believes in the philosophy of “play, learn, grow,” emphasising not only the enjoyment of the game but also the importance of continuous learning and personal growth.

Newcastle Elite Academy is proud to have Mike Williamson, an ex Newcastle United player, as one of its directors. He joins the team alongside Rob Elliot, Paul Dummett, Matt Ritchie, and Dwight Gayle. This combination of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences in the game creates a positive and nurturing training environment for the players.

The academy recognises the abundance of talent in the region and aims to ensure that no talent goes unnoticed. With its top-quality coaching staff, Newcastle Elite Academy provides young players in the area with the opportunity to receive top-level coaching and develop their game at a quicker pace. The academy firmly believes in providing a chance for people to get involved and reach their full potential.

Newcastle Elite Academy operates its training sessions at Newcastle University, a renowned institution known for its commitment to academic excellence. The academy places a strong emphasis on safeguarding the players and ensures a safe and secure environment for all participants.

In terms of its programmes, Newcastle Elite Academy offers a unique long-term player development training programme called the Newcastle Elite Development Centre. This programme begins in September and runs throughout the year, providing striving young players with the opportunity to further develop their skills alongside their grassroots football commitments. The programme is essential for players of all ages who are looking to take their game to the next level and continue on their footballing journeys.

The coaching team at Newcastle Elite Academy has devised a comprehensive and high-quality programme that draws from their experience of playing and coaching in the professional game. This programme follows the FA's four-corner model for long-term player development, focusing on individual skill development while also emphasising the importance of working within a group. Players will work on age-specific coaching topics to ensure a well-rounded development across all aspects of the game.

Newcastle Elite Academy is committed to providing the best possible football education to its players. The academy believes in the power of football to inspire and transform lives and strives to create a nurturing and inclusive environment where players can thrive both on and off the pitch.