Located in the shadow of St James' Park, the Newcastle United Foundation's state-of-the-art NUCASTLE facility has already had 2,000 people through its doors since opening in February.
Foundation ambassador Shola Ameobi and first-team head coach Eddie Howe recently attended the official opening and saw how the venue will help the local community engage in sport, develop skills, achieve qualifications and progress into further training or employment.
Shola said: "I grew up in the West End of Newcastle with my family and during my childhood I'd play football at Murray House and meet friends here, where NUCASTLE is now - it's where it all began for me.
"There was always a genuine sense of community here and I am incredibly proud that NUCASTLE has revived that feeling again in the area and I can't wait to see the positive legacy that NUCASTLE creates for our communities."
The facility, which is open seven days a week, has state-of-the-art cycling studios, a specialist science, technology, engineering and mathematics room, an esports room, a four-court sports hall, accessible changing areas and event and meeting spaces, as well as a rooftop 4G football pitch.
More than 160 staff will use it as their home, one of those being Faiequl Alom, who is now a football coach thanks to the help of the Foundation.
"During the pandemic, I really lost my way and was so anxious. I had no job, and I was struggling to even leave the house because I felt so low on confidence," he said.
"I was referred to the Foundation last year and gradually I started to realise I could achieve my dreams and do what I love - that's coaching football.
"I didn't expect it to happen so quickly but now I'm working for the Foundation. It feels amazing and I have the Foundation to thank for that."
