Look inside state of the art esports centre launched at Newcastle United Foundation

A new state-of-the-art esports arena has arrived in Newcastle.

The £8 million facility is part of the Newcastle United Foundation's exciting NUCASTLE community hub.

The esports arena will play an important role in Newcastle College's new esports study programme, the first in the North East, that launches this September in collaboration with the Newcastle United Foundation.

It is hoped the course will give the next generation vital insight into the rapidly up and coming industry.

Tech company Yoyotech brought its expertise to help design and install the avant-garde facility.

Yoyotech Business Development Manager James Fraser-Murison said: “The Newcastle United Foundation contacted us in October to help create their first-ever esports arena for their esports BTEC delivery and also create the ‘wow factor’ for those in the surrounding area who don’t have access to this vast and engaging industry.

“What the foundation is able to offer to the local community and surrounding communities is exactly what esports is about. A leveller for all involved, regardless of your background and ability and it’s been fantastic to see the finished arena and the joy it will bring to the people of Newcastle.”

Programme Manager for Newcastle United Foundation Andrew Foster added: “Yoyotech has been instrumental throughout the setup of the new esports room.

"Their involvement spanned the design, build, and installation of PC hardware and furniture for the room as well as sourcing the software to manage the room’s safety and security.

"Yoyotech helped us navigate room set up and explained the options available to help us make informed decisions."

The wealth of new facilities at the NUCASTLE community hub has been praised by leaders across the community.

Speaking on the reaction of Newcastle United's new owners, club legend Shola Ameobi said: "They’ve been down, they’ve seen the facilities/

“One of the first things they did when they came in was have meetings with Steve Beharall (Head of the Foundation) just to understand what the foundation was and what it did. They wanted to make sure the club had that connection.

“Every time I’ve met with Amanda (Staveley) and Mehrdad (Ghodoussi), they’ve been nothing short of amazing in terms of what they want to do now and their plans moving forward.

“It only bodes well for us as a club and the foundation with the vision they have. I’m sure they’ll talk about it more as we move forward.

“They’ve been fantastic throughout this whole process.”