May 23, 2025

Premier League Players Inspire Jesmond Park Academy Pupils as Harrison Foundation and Newcastle United Foundation team up

At the Harrison Foundation, we believe that positive role models and meaningful mentorship can have a lasting impact on young people’s lives. That belief was brought vividly to life when two of Newcastle United’s brightest homegrown footballers – Sean Longstaff and Lewis Miley – stepped into the classroom at Jesmond Park Academy, not just as professional footballers, but as students.

This special visit was part of the joint Harrison Foundation and Newcastle United Foundation Partner Schools programme, which delivers educational and wellbeing sessions to pupils across the North East. Designed to help students overcome challenges and unlock their potential, the programme sees Foundation tutors based directly at schools to work with young people who may be at risk of disengaging from education or struggling to reach their goals.

Students at Jesmond Park Academy were told they’d be welcoming two new classmates for the day. What they didn’t expect was that the new faces would belong to first-team Newcastle United players – and in Lewis Miley’s case, a former Jesmond Park pupil himself.

Sean and Lewis joined students in a session focused on communication, teamwork and problem-solving. They also shared their personal journeys from the challenges of breaking into a Premier League squad to maintaining discipline and managing physical and mental wellbeing. Both players talked about the highs and lows they’ve encountered on the road to success.

For the pupils, the visit was an eye-opening experience because Sean and Lewis grew up in the same area, walked the same corridors, and faced similar pressures. The message was clear: ambition is important, but belief, support, and dedication are what carry you through.

At the Harrison Foundation, we are incredibly proud to support this vital work. Education and opportunity sit at the heart of our mission to increase social mobility, and by partnering with the Newcastle United Foundation, we’re helping ensure that young people across the North East have access to both.

Daniel Harrison, trustee of the Harrison Foundation, was part of the visit and speaking afterwards he said:

“It was a great experience to visit Jesmond Park Academy and see the enthusiasm students have for their sessions with this joint Harrison Foundation and Newcastle United Foundation initiative first-hand.

“Sean and Lewis made a huge impression – it’s not every day young people get to hear directly from Premier League players about overcoming challenges and setting goals. At the Harrison Foundation, we’re committed to giving young people the tools and opportunities to build brighter futures, and we’re proud to support a programme that is achieving just that.”

Andy Foster, Director of Programmes and Impact at Newcastle United Foundation, explained the power of these visits:

“Role models like Sean Longstaff and Lewis Miley allow students to see that with commitment and hard work, they can achieve their full potential. Our aim is to walk alongside each young person on their journey to realising their goals – whether that’s through mentoring, careers guidance or resilience-building sessions.”

The Partner Schools Programme now reaches over 750 pupils annually, delivering more than 1,600 tailored sessions a year. These sessions focus not only on academic engagement, but also on life skills – building confidence, improving health and wellbeing, and opening up new possibilities for the future.

The success of the Partner Schools initiative is a testament to what happens when community, education, and sport come together with purpose. It’s about creating pathways, raising aspirations, and showing young people what’s possible.

Whether it’s a conversation, a career workshop, or an unexpected visit from footballing heroes, every session helps build a stronger foundation for future success. And that’s exactly what the Harrison Foundation stands for.

We’re honoured to be part of a programme that not only uplifts students but also strengthens the communities they’re part of. With every school we support, we’re investing in the potential of the next generation – and their future is looking brighter than ever.