Newcastle United players Dwight Gayle, Matt Ritchie and Paul Dummett have launched a coaching partnership with Newcastle Benfield FC.
The duo, along with former Magpies Rob Elliot and Mike Williamson, will aim to provide a successful pathway to develop youth players on Tyneside.
Newcastle Elite Academy - which has been run by the foursome in recent years - released a statement which read: "Newcastle Elite Academy is based out of Northumbria University's top-class coach lane sporting facilities and provides talented U17, 18s & 19s players the opportunity to engage in a high-quality football programme emulating a professional environment whilst studying sports specific qualifications leading to University and careers in sport.
"All under the watchful eyes of the academy directors current and ex NUFC stars, Rob Elliot, Paul Dummett, Matt Ritchie, Dwight Gayle and Mike Williamson they are committed to providing the very best experience for the players as well as achievable opportunities on and off the pitch with desired outcomes for the players leading to professional and semi-professional opportunities, UK and USA scholarships, industry-specific careers and higher education.
"As part of the partnership, the academy will represent Newcastle Benfield FC who are currently competing in EBAC Northern league division 1 by fielding a team in the National League U19's Alliance league for the 2020-21 season.
"They will be playing up against several youth teams of clubs across step 5-7 of the non-league pyramid on Wednesday afternoons at Sam Smith Park, the home of Newcastle Benfield FC.
"The club will also be fielding teams in the FA youth cup and local U18s Saturday league in conjunction with Newcastle Elite Academy providing a structured and progressive youth setup across the U18's and 19's age groups.
"The newly formed Newcastle Benfield FC U18's and 19's teams will look to provide a successful youth system to the club providing opportunities for players to work towards breaking into the first, allowing the club to produce there own local talent."