NEWCASTLE stars Kieran Trippier and Dan Burn invited a group of young fans who are members of the deaf community to be mascots ahead of their match against Tottenham.
The kids met their heroes at the NU foundation during a friendly kickabout before the game tomorrow, as shown in video captured by Toon sponsor Sela.
Burn, 31, revealed to the youngsters: “For the Tottenham game you’re all going to be mascots.
“So you get to walk out with us in front of the crowd.”
Sela have revealed the youngsters will wear innovative shirts with haptic technology when they become mascots – meaning the shirts respond to movement generated electronically or mechanically.
The shirts have been designed to enhance the matchday experience in a unique way, with fans wearing them promised a share of the St James’ Park vibe via “real-time touch sensation”.
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It comes as part of a collaboration with RNID, the national charity supporting 12 million people who are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus.
Newcastle vice-captain Trippier, 33, added: “To walk out in the [RNID] shirts is special, and we had a good kickabout with the kids as well.”
Burn also teased a new celebration that may be shown off: “The kids were teaching us a goal celebration so watch out for it.
“I’ll probably get a few more before the end of the season.”
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The celebration taught to the Magpies’ stars during their kickabout said: “Love the fans.”
One of the youngsters said: “I was so happy to see Kieran and Dan, it’s the best day of my life.”
A select number of fans will also be wearing the RNID-branded haptic shirts at the game, while RNID branding will be on display around the stadium to raise awareness of the cause.
Sela, founded in 1997 as Saudi Arabia’s first FIFA-recognised player representation company, has donated it’s front-of-shirt sponsorship rights for Saturday’s game to RNID.
Currently, one in five adults in the UK are deaf or have hearing loss. One in seven people have tinnitus.
If you (or someone close to you) are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus and need free confidential and impartial information and support, contact RNID. We are open 8:30am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday. Find out how to contact RNID at rnid.org.uk/contact
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
