Shola Ameobi's Journey from Player to Executive at Newcastle

Shola Ameobi reflected on his experiences growing up in Newcastle, revealing that as a child, he faced severe challenges including instances of racism. He recounted how he had to be vigilant about his surroundings and sometimes sprint away from groups that harassed him due to his appearance. Ameobi moved from Nigeria to Newcastle at the age of six and recalled numerous unsettling experiences that shaped him.

"It was almost as if I had to hide myself to be able to do what I love to do," he said, emphasizing the resilience he developed during those formative years. This resilience helped him in his football career, allowing him to become a club legend known for scoring 79 goals in 397 appearances for Newcastle, including seven against their East Coast rivals, Sunderland.

Currently, Ameobi serves as Newcastle's head of corporate affairs after working as the loans coordinator for seven years. His current role involves leading strategic external engagement to enhance the club's integration into the community of Newcastle. "We want to make this club the heartbeat of this city," Ameobi stated, highlighting the importance of civic engagement. His promotion followed a 100-day review by CEO David Hopkinson, after which he took time to consider the implications of his new position before accepting.

Ameobi’s leap into an executive role may not have seemed significant given his previous experience. He helped build his earlier department during Mike Ashley's ownership of the club. He has been part of the Premier League’s Black participants advisory group since its inception in 2019, contributing to initiatives like the No Room for Racism action plan and a scheme aimed at helping underrepresented groups gain access to executive roles.

In reflecting on his personal journey, Ameobi noted that a hip injury in 2006 marked the beginning of his thoughts about life beyond football. "How can I best be useful to my teammates and this football club?" became pivotal in his thought process. Furthermore, he revealed that a psychologist and family support helped him navigate challenging moments in his life. Ameobi expressed a longstanding interest in leadership, influenced notably by his father and mentors such as the late Sir Bobby Robson and Alan Pardew.

Holding a master’s degree in strategic leadership, Ameobi's charisma and ability to connect with others is apparent at events, like those supporting The Black Geordie Club. He aims to use his executive platform to instigate positive changes within society, recalling inspiring moments from his playing days and vowing to give back to the community that shaped him.