Four Housing Group, a not-for-profit housing provider in the North East, with funding of £1.7 million from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) has opened a new £2.7 million facility in conjunction with local football club, Redheugh Boys Club, for young and vulnerable people in Gateshead.

The Academy will house 16 - 25 year old youngsters who are currently homeless and will provide first rate sporting facilities for those living there, as well as members of the local community. The whole development has been led by Four Housing Group, in close partnership with Gateshead Council and Redheugh Boys Club.

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"This marks a great day for the people of Gateshead, and Four Housing Group is proud to declare the Academy open," said Lynda Peacock, Group Development Director, Four Housing Group. "The academy will reinvigorate the community, providing a range of services and amenities to boost the confidence, energy and aspirations of local people. We hope the local community will enjoy and reap the benefits the facility will provide and we wish to thank all those involved in bringing the project together."

Alan Pardew, Newcastle United manager, added: "It's a real honour to open the Academy. I genuinely believe the project will not only help improve the lives of people in the city but also provide opportunities for developing home-grown talent. That's something we're really passionate about at Newcastle United so it's great to see initiatives like this. You never know, the next Steven Taylor could result from this project."

Funded by the Homes and Communities Agency, the project was designed to build a multi-functional facility in Gateshead to promote the physical health, mental wellbeing and social inclusion of diverse local community groups.

(CD/GK)