Recreational and sports amenities in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne

In terms of sporting prowess two terms areare plenty of municipal tennis courts, high quality tennis
synonymous with Newcastle-Upon-Tyne; Newcastleevents are few and far between. Currently not even
United FC at St James' Park and international athleticsthe highly suitable Metroradio Arena Newcastle has a
at the Gateshead International Stadium, which is aprofessional tennis competition on the horizon.
major venue on the international athletics scene andGolf - whilst municipal golf courses and driving ranges
the home of the English Institute of Sport.in Newcastle are rather sparse, there are some
Newcastle-Upon-Tyne also supports the full range ofexcellent, and well priced, private clubs in the area.
sporting clubs and recreational facilities expected of aAlthough up in the north of Northumberland, Saley Hall
modern large city. Below are some of the majorbeing probably the best well known. In the past this
features it offers.quite young course has hosted European PGA tour
Football - To use its correct name association footballcompetitions and is a world class golfing venue. The
(also known as soccer and simply 'footie' to some) isCity of Newcastle Golf Club also has an excellent
not a game or even a merely a sport on Tyneside -reputation for its quality and the friendly welcome you'll
but a passion! Support for the Premier leagueget. The club was founded in 1891 and moved to its
Newcastle United FC (also called the Magpiespresent location off the A1 near Gosforth, in 1907, the
because of their distinctive black and white striped kit)course was designed by the legendary Harry Vardon.
is fervent and unwavering. Given the recent form ofGreen fees are around £25.
the team in the last few years, outsiders to NewcastleSwimming - information about municipal swimming
might well find this difficult to understand, but, such ispools can be obtained from the city council's website.
the seriousness and passion with which the team isUnfortunately, the City of Newcastle does not have a
supported by the 'Geordies'. Mention any of thesefull length pool, but it does have a City of Newcastle
names; Jackie Milburn, Malcolm MacDonald (akaAmateur Swimming Club, which has helped to nurture
SuperMac) or Paul Gascoigne to a Magpies' fan andsome swimmers of international standards.
you'll see their eyes glaze over with emotion. ThereRugby - whilst there is not currently a Rugby League
are of course a host of other football clubs andclub in Newcastle, it does have a well known Rugby
leagues in and around Newcastle. More notable teamsUnion club. Newcastle Falcons currently play in the
include; Gateshead who play in the Northern PremierRFU (English Rugby Football Union) Premiership. Their
League and Wallsend in the Northern Football Allianceground is in Kingston Park, a suburb of the city. Their
Premier division.most famous player must surely be Jonny Wilkinson
Athletics - although being across the river Tyne inwho kicked the winning 'drop-goal' for England in the
Gateshead the Gateshead International Stadium is adying moments of the 2003 world cup. Rob Andrew,
major sporting venue in the area. Its main function isDirector of Rugby, was also recently appointed 'Elite
being home to the Gateshead Harriers Athletics club.Rugby Director' to the English RFU. Other local rugby
However, it is better known as a venue forunion clubs include; Gateshead Fell, Blaydon, Winlaton,
international standard athletics meetings and eventsRyton, North Shields and Percy Park.
and has hosted the European cup twice in 1989 andRunners - if you enjoy running, or are at the more
2000. The English Institute of Sport is developingserious end of jogging, the annual Great North Run
athletic talent in the area with a particular focus on themight well tempt you. The half-marathon (13.1 miles/21
2012 Olympics.kilometres) course runs from Spital Tongues in
Cricket - although Northumberland is not in the EnglishNewcastle to South Shields and is one of the biggest
cricket county championship the city does have aevents in the world road running calendar.
thriving cricket club. Newcastle CC play in the NorthInformation about all sporting facilities available through
East Premier League Division 1.the city council can be found through their Newcastle
Two sports in Newcastle play their home fixtures atLeisure web-site.
the Metroradio Arena Newcastle, these are:You could also consider walking in one of the city's
Ice Hockey - the Newcastle Vipers who play in theparks or take a short bus ride or drive into the
British Elite ice hockey league are one of the top 10Northumberland countryside for a walk or bike ride.
clubs in the country.Sailing, wind-surfing, canoeing, diving and even Malibu
Basketball - the Newcastle Eagles play in the Britishboard surfing are some of the water-sports available
Basketball League Championship and are also one ofin and around Newcastle. Fishing is immensely popular
the top ten clubs in the country.in England and not only the River Tyne provides
Tennis - Apart from a David Lloyd Tennis Centre, thisopportunities for the keen angler. A full list of venues is
sport is not very well served by the city. Whilst thereavailable through Visit Northumberland.