Newcastle United have lent their support to SportsAid, the charity which helps raise money for youngsters.

The charity aims to encourage raising much-needed funds for Britain's aspiring young sport stars across the country and at St James' Park recently, Newcastle's Jermaine Jenas met with local stars who are funded by the charity.

Chris Goldie, National Director of SportsAid said: "We are delighted Jermaine gave up his time to support our cause. We rely and need the top sports men and women in this country to help us raise funds, so that we can give others like them, the chance to live their sporting dreams.

"Be it cricket, tennis, hockey, athletics or football then every child should have the same opportunity to be the best that they can be.

"Funding in Britain isn't as widely available as some people may think and so it is essential that clubs like Newcastle United FC and players like Jermaine help us to put this message across and allow us to generate more funding for youngsters across the UK."

SportsAid have joined forces with Smart and Safe Mobile Phones Hand Free Systems to help raise money for other talented youngsters who receive no other financial assistance and need that extra bit of cash to get them to the next level.

Smart and Safe, a mobile phone hand free system will shortly be available to buy at selected North East Co-op Food Stores for £6.99. For every Smart and Safe sold, £1 will go to SportsAid to allow them to give financial grants to more youngsters.