North Central Collegiate Hockey Association

In terms of sporting prowess two terms are synonymous with Newcastle-Upon-Tyne; Newcastle United FC at St James’ Park and international athletics at the Gateshead International Stadium, which is a major venue on the international athletics scene and the home of the English Institute of Sport. Newcastle-Upon-Tyne also supports the full range of sporting clubs and recreational facilities expected of a modern large city. Below are some of the major features it offers.

Football – To use its correct name association football (also known as soccer and simply ‘footie’ to some) is not a game or even a merely a sport on Tyneside – but a passion! Support for the Premier league Newcastle United FC (also called the Magpies because of their distinctive black and white striped kit) is fervent and unwavering. Given the recent form of the team in the last few years, outsiders to Newcastle might well find this difficult to understand, but, such is the seriousness and passion with which the team is supported by the ‘Geordies’. Mention any of these names; Jackie Milburn, Malcolm MacDonald (aka SuperMac) or Paul Gascoigne to a Magpies’ fan and you’ll see their eyes glaze over with emotion. There are of course a host of other football clubs and leagues in and around Newcastle. More notable teams include; Gateshead who play in the Northern Premier League and Wallsend in the Northern Football Alliance Premier division.

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