Newcastle United have confirmed that their under-21s' derby clash against Sunderland in Premier League 2 will now be held at St James' Park. Robbie Stockdale's side usually play their home games at Whitley Park, but the visit of their local rivals on Monday, October 26 has been switched to the main stadium as they search for their first league win of the season.
Ticket details and stadium plans
In a club statement, Newcastle confirmed the East Stand will be open for supporters, with tickets priced at £5 for adults and £2 for juniors, with unallocated seating. Season ticket holders can attend the match for free.
This will mark the first time the young Magpies have played at St James' Park since April 2025, when the club's second string thrashed Reading 7-1. There was disappointment at academy level last season that neither the under-21s nor under-18s played at St James', with the first team's relentless schedule across four competitions not allowing for a suitable slot.
More opportunities this season
However, more opportunities are expected this season, with the first team not competing in European competition. The under-18s are flying high in the under-18s Premier League table, and the under-21s are in a rich vein of form, having won three of their last six games in all competitions, including wins over senior sides in both the Jersey Mike's Trophy (3-1 over York City) and the National League Cup (2-1 over Hartlepool United).
Matthias Jaissle has shown this season he is prepared to put faith in the club's youngsters, with five of the under-21 squad named on the bench in last month's win over Hull City. Defender Miodrag Pivas, midfielder Mason Miley, wingers Kyran Thompson and Michael Mills, and forward Vakhtang Salia were all part of the first team squad against the Tigers and will be expected to feature against the Black Cats.
Youngsters in first team mix
Similarly, Dylan Charlton and Matheos Ferreira were handed opportunities in pre-season, while Trevan Sanusi, Sam Alabi and Park Seung-soo are among the Magpies' youngsters who have also been involved in the first team squad for competitive fixtures in the past. Tickets for the match are available to purchase.
