![]() ![]() Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters said: "The Premier League is proud to provide world-leading financial support for football at every level, helping thousands of clubs to have a positive impact on their local community. During this period, clubs across the game are celebrating a person who has been involved in one of the programmes funded by the Premier League, which are delivered at community venues and schools across the country.Īs part of the campaign, the League is announcing two further investment packages, which will positively impact clubs at multiple levels, forming part of the £1.6 billion investment the Premier League has committed for wider football and communities between 20. The Premier League Supports campaign will be visible at all Premier League matches between 1st and 9th April. The Foundation currently offers more than 40 education, sport and wellbeing programmes across the North East, including Premier League Kicks, Premier League Primary Stars and Premier League Inspires - inspiring children and teenagers to engage in school and recreational sport. James' Park, enables dozens of young participants to enjoy in free community activity led by Newcastle United Foundation at the centre each week. Premier League investment via the Football Foundation in NUCASTLE, powered by Newcastle Building Society, just five minutes' walk from St. Thomas himself saw the benefits of Newcastle United Foundation and Premier League programmes while growing up and attended Premier League Kicks sessions for three years as a teenager. The programme became a huge success and remains popular today with participants also using Walking Football sessions to boost their physical and mental health. ![]() Twice-weekly sessions were maintained throughout the pandemic where participants could form friendships, discuss football, join quizzes and prediction leagues and ultimately, share how they were feeling in a safe and welcoming space. Through the power of Newcastle United, Thomas created a new community online, building a social support network for over 50s. The Football Talks programme was created and led by Thomas to relieve the negative impact on the mental health of some of the North East's most vulnerable people. When face-to-face wellbeing sessions were suspended during the pandemic, Thomas sought to address issues around social isolation and loneliness for walking footballers and older generations who were cut off from contact with friends and family while in lockdown or shielding for months at a time. Originally from Fenham, in Newcastle, Thomas joined the Foundation's Health and Wellbeing team in 2019, supporting the charity's provision of Walking Football, wellness workshops, the charity's Be A Game Changer mental health awareness campaign and more. I'd especially like to thank the Premier League, Newcastle United and Newcastle United Foundation - it's a pleasure to be part of this club and this community." "I'm extremely grateful for everyone who has supported me along the way and who have made it all possible. "Providing tools for people in the North East to improve their mental and physical wellbeing is so important to me and I love coming to work at Newcastle United Foundation each day knowing we are making a difference in people's lives. It's been a complete surprise to meet with Eddie Howe and to be presented with this award - it's something I could never have imagined happening. Thomas said: "It's a huge honour for me to receive this recognition from the Premier League and Newcastle United. The campaign highlights the impact of Premier League investment on wider football and communities, as it announces new funding to benefit clubs and fans at all levels of the game. ![]() Thomas was awarded with a One of Our Own print and scarf presented by Howe at the club's Benton base ahead of Premier League Supports activity when Newcastle United took on Manchester United at St. ![]() In recognition of his work, Thomas has been named as One of Our Own as part of the Premier League Supports campaign, celebrating his exceptional contribution to the community. Lifelong Newcastle United supporter Thomas Graham uses his role as Health and Wellbeing Project Coordinator at Newcastle United Foundation to encourage others to consider their physical and mental wellness, inspiring them to engage in activities to improve how they feel - physically and mentally. ![]()
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