Former Premier League golden boot winner Kevin Phillips has thrown his support behind rival club foundations uniting to promote an anti-knife campaign.

Newcastle United Foundation and Sunderland AFC’s Foundation of Light are championing the initiative, titled Knives Impact Everyone.

This campaign, which was launched in 2023 by Police Commissioner Kim McGuinness, aims to highlight the devastating consequences of knife crime.

<hr>

Read more: Meet the cast of the Gladiators as BBC confirms start date

<hr>

Phillips, a former striker for Sunderland and England, said: "Whatever your background, whatever your club, we have to unite on this so young people walk away from violence.

"We need to get in front of kids about the dangers and consequences of knives and we are supporting this campaign to do just that."

The foundations are endorsing the campaign across social media, as well as featuring hard-hitting messages on digital advertising stands at the Stadium of Light during an upcoming FA Cup derby match.

Ms McGuinness said: "Our football clubs are at the heart of so much that is good about the North East, and it is great to see them setting aside rivalry off the pitch to come together and stand up to knife crime."

The campaign aims to engage school children across the region, and make them think twice about the potential impact and consequence of their actions.