NUFC off to KC.

NUFC have confirmed that they are heading Stateside for part of their pre-season training by announcing a friendly fixture against Sporting Kansas City.

The match will be played on Wednesday, 20th July at their new Livestrong Park stadium and Newcastle will be one of the first teams to play at the new 'soccer specific' ground.

This is great news in my opinion as I've long bemoaned the lack of Newcastle United spreading their wings into other markets. The USA is one of those untapped markets so hopefully whilst we are out there we can expand our fanbase a bit as well as give those Toon fans who are already alive and kicking in the States a chance to see the team that they support from afar up close and personal.

Newcastle will be conducting some training out there as well as running some courses for local coaches which will have the aim of developing the sport in the area although as yet only the one friendly fixture is confirmed.

"Myself and the team are really looking forward to coming to America in the summer and playing against Sporting Kansas City," Pardew told The Chronicle. "We’re planning a few days training in Kansas before the game which will form an integral part of our build up for the 2011/12 season."

"I know Manchester United were in Kansas last year, and went home beaten, so we know full well what a tough game it’ll be for us, but that’s exactly the sort of challenge we’ll be looking for. We’re delighted also to be able to put on a technical clinic for the coaches in Kansas which we hope will assist with the development of the sport in the region."

"It should be a very good week for all concerned and I would like to express our thanks to the people of Kansas for extending the invitation to us."

Forward planning :shock:

Truth being told it's only a small part of our pre-season preparations, but it is an important part all the same. Training in such heat will only help the fitness of the team as they get ready for the big kick-off in August, whatever league we may be in. One thing is for sure, without any football it's going to be a looong summer!

You can of course keep up to speed with all the pre-season fixtures as and when they are announced here at NUFC Blog. Whether or not any more fixtures will be played in the USA remains to be seen although whilst we are out there we may as well go on a bit of a tour. Road Trip!