The day was delivered in partnership with the Bank of England, Discover Economics, and the Financial Times Financial Literacy and Inclusion Campaign (FT FLIC). The event aimed to break down traditional barriers and stereotypes associated with economics by introducing real-world applications of economic thinking in an accessible and engaging way.

Students from Emmanuel College in Gateshead, Whitley Bay High School, and Gosforth Academy took part in interactive sessions exploring topics including supply and demand, price elasticity, GDP, and labour markets. From setting ticket prices for UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 to debating footballers’ wages versus NHS salaries, participants engaged in lively, critical thinking and applied economic reasoning to real-world scenarios.

A gateway to new skills and perspectives

With a recent report stating how boys outnumber girls in economics by two-to-one in schools and universities, the event offered a valuable opportunity for young people, many of whom had no prior exposure to economics. By exploring economics through a familiar and exciting context, the event aimed to help shape a more inclusive future in the field.

Newcastle University Business School played a key role in delivering the programme, with Student Ambassadors leading sessions, using state of the art facilities such as the Bloomberg Financial Markets Lab, and demonstrating how economics impacts industries beyond traditional finance.

Dr Roxana Radulescu, Degree Programme Director for Economics BSc said: “Our Economics undergraduate students were at the heart of this event, delivering the interactive workshops that introduced school pupils to economic thinking in an interactive, engaging way.

“This is part of a wider outreach initiative that the Economics subject group has been running with Discover Economics for several years, with students regularly visiting state schools in the North East — including some that don’t currently offer Economics — to spark interest in the subject and raise aspirations around university study. These experiences are not only inspiring the next generation of economists, but also providing our Economics students with valuable opportunities to develop their confidence, communication skills, and subject knowledge.”

Through a mix of lectures, simulations, and debate, the event strengthened pupils’ critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills — all within a supportive, university setting. It also served to demystify higher education, making students feel more confident about future academic pathways.

Andrew Hebden, Head of Public and Stakeholder Engagement at the Bank of England said: “We are grateful to Newcastle University Business School for their support for this event. The Bank of England recently commissioned research that highlighted how the North East of England has the lowest number of young people studying economics at school anywhere in the UK. This means that many young people in the region are missing out on the opportunity to learn about this subject which can be such a fantastic route to a highly rewarding career.”

We hope that this fun and engaging event has highlighted how economics links to so many aspects of our daily lives and can provide young people with the tools they need to address some of society’s most pressing challenges.”

A powerful collaboration for inclusion and inspiration

The panel discussion, chaired by Gareth Harrison, Deputy Agent for the North East at the Bank of England, brought together industry voices including Josh Noble (Financial Times Sports Editor), Dr Christina Philippou (University of Portsmouth), and Dr Ian Gregory-Smith (Newcastle University Business School), alongside Economics and Finance BSc student Boubacar Malick Dia, to highlight the diverse career routes economics can lead to.

Students asked thoughtful questions about football finance, gender equity in sport, and the social impact of football clubs. The session also touched on broader economic themes such as globalisation, public vs private sector roles, and taxation — highlighting how economics intersects with everyday life.

This initiative is part of a broader national push to make economics more inclusive and relatable for young people from all backgrounds. For Newcastle University Business School, the event reinforces its commitment to reaching a diverse range of talent, civic engagement, and supporting the next generation of regional talent.

Looking ahead

With young people better equipped to think critically about the world around them, initiatives like 'Economics of Football' demonstrate the powerful impact that collaborative, experiential learning can have — both in expanding subject knowledge and in shaping confident, curious future economists.

We look forward to hosting a similar event in July 2026. Look out for further details.