Player Bios - Newcastle Elite Academy

Newcastle Elite Academy Premier League Football

PAUL DUMMETT – NEWCASTLE UNITED

A product of United’s Academy set-up, Paul Dummett is a Newcastle-born left-back who has been with his hometown club since the age of nine.

Paul captained United for the first time during the Magpies’ 4-1 win over Reading in August 2016 and he has since made the left-back spot his own with a number of committed, no-nonsense displays. Paul made the first of 5 international caps for Wales against Holland in 2014, qualifying through his father.

MATT RITCHIE – NEWCASTLE UNITED

A tricky winger known for his deadly deliveries from wide positions, Matt has established himself as a popular player on Tyneside, arriving from AFC Bournemouth in July 2016.

Achieving incredible back-to-back promotions with the Cherries, he was a Premier League player by 2015/16. After joining Newcastle, he played a starring role as Rafa Benítez’s side won the Championship in 2017. Matt represents Scotland at international level, qualifying through his father, Alex.

DWIGHT GAYLE – NEWCASTLE UNITED

Moving to St. James’ Park, Dwight was given the club’s famous number 9 shirt at the start of the 2016/17 season and true to form, he finished as the club’s top scorer.

Dwight began his youth career with Arsenal but after being released as a teenager, he took the route less travelled and has admirably worked his way up from non-league to become an established top-flight forward with nearly 150 career goals.

Newcastle Elite Academy Championship Football

ROB ELLIOT – WATFORD

Rob Elliot joined the Hornets in January 2021, bringing experience and depth to the goalkeeping department.

Signing for Newcastle United in August 2011, Rob made 68 outings including 52 in the Premier League. During his time in the North East, he also earned four international caps for the Republic of Ireland (the country of his father’s birth) – only missing out on Euro 2016 following a serious knee injury.

FORMER NUFC DEFENDER MIKE WILLIAMSON JOINS NEA AS DIRECTOR

Former Newcastle United defender Mike Williamson has joined the board of Newcastle Elite Academy. We are delighted to welcome Mike on board this project.

With an ambition to to work with youngsters who may have slipped the net for the region’s three big clubs, the former United man will help run our full-time Football Education Programme to develop young players who are potentially looking for a second chance.

Currently player/manager of Gateshead, Mike brings with him a vast knowledge of the game from England’s main five divisions; National League up to the Premier League.

“His vast experience of being a professional football player as well as his most recent role as player/coach at Gateshead and his passion to be able to help nurture and develop the next generation, providing the best opportunities for our student athletes means he’s a great addition to our academy.”
– Louis Storey, Newcastle Elite Academy Manager