Newcastle Thunder Honour “The Keelmen” at Heritage Presentation Night

Newcastle Thunder marked a historic evening recently with an intimate heritage presentation held at The Punch Bowl, Jesmond, where the club’s 2025 player heritage numbers were officially presented.

Head Coach Graham Steadman, Assistant Coach Adam Houston, and former Thunder Head Coach Chris Thorman led the ceremony, recognising the players who have proudly represented the club during the 2024 and 2025 seasons.

The night was steeped in pride and reflection, celebrating the resilience, camaraderie, and passion that have defined this young Thunder squad. Players were presented with personalised framed heritage certificates and their 2025 jerseys symbolising their permanent place in the club’s history.

As the evening drew to a close, incoming CEO Richie Metcalfe delivered a heartfelt address, officially announcing that the 2024/25 squads will forever be known as “The Keelmen.”

"When I knew that I would be taking on this role, I was very keen to recognise the incredible efforts of the players over 2024 & 2025; I'd become very close to them in my role with the squad and saw firsthand what it meant to them to represent the club they'd grown up following. We wanted to find a narrative that reflected the city and the region. 'The Keelmen' epitomises everything this young group has demonstrated over the last two years. Just as the Keelmen of the River Tyne worked together against the currents, our players have shown unwavering spirit, unity, and loyalty through one of the most challenging periods in the club’s history,” said Metcalfe. “From this day forward, they will be honoured as lifetime members of Newcastle Thunder and forever known as The Keelmen".

The Keelmen – Forever Thunder
The name pays homage to the historic community of Tyne Keelmen — the hardworking boatmen whose strength and solidarity helped build Newcastle’s industrial legacy. Like their namesakes, Thunder’s 2024/25 squads embodied perseverance and collective pride, playing not for wealth or fame, but for each other and the city they represent.

Their story, now immortalised as “The Keelmen”, stands as a reminder of the club’s deep roots in Geordie heritage and the enduring power of unity in the face of adversity.