'Unity in football' promoted by pupils in new project

Winning Year 7 pupils of St Wilfrid’s RC College whose work has been brought to life in a campaign to promote unity in football Credit: Craig Connor / NNP

A new project has resulted in budding entrepreneurs seeing their work brought to life in an advertising campaign to promote unity in football.

More than 100 young people from north and south of the River Tyne were involved in the Football and Business in Partnership Enterprise.

It was delivered by the Foundation of Light, Sunderland AFC’s registered charity, and the Newcastle United Foundation.

The unique initiative developed business, social and personal skills and helped the students gain a certificate in Business and Enterprise.

Part of the six-week long programme was to create an advertising campaign to promote a strong message to keep rivalry friendly between the fans of both teams.

Four schools took part and came up with strong advertising campaigns to promote greater harmony between both football clubs’ supporters.

The winning campaign came from Year 7 pupils of St Wilfrid’s RC College in South Shields and was designed by Alexi, Ben, Codi and Kyle.

What the judges had to say

  • They showed how football can bring people together without hostility.

  • They demonstrated this with really strong images of the tributes paid to the Newcastle fans who died in the Malaysian air disaster, compared to ugly derby match scenes when fans had lost control.

  • Their slogan ‘North East United’ is featured on the striking design, which includes the iconic Angel of the North symbol and a ‘good luck’ message to all North East teams this season.