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Former goalkeeping duo head to Orlando for fan events
Written by Andrew Lisgo
Newcastle United will be taking part in the latest Premier League Mornings Live fan festival this weekend, with fan favourites Shay Given and Steve Harper heading to Orlando for the two-day event.
The former Magpies shot-stoppers will take part in a number of activities through the Premier League, including meet and greet sessions with local schoolchildren before mingling with supporters at the live screening of United's clash with Crystal Palace on Saturday.
The fan festival, which is in partnership with Premier League broadcaster NBC Sports, will be shown throughout the US with Telemundo Deportes providing on-location reports with coverage on Telemundo and Universo. The event will also feature the Premier League trophy, club mascots and free activities suitable for families.
The club visit to the USA will also see Given and Harper take part in an exclusive meet and greet event for Newcastle United supporters based in and around Orlando, with the pair set to meet fans for a Q&A session.
Speaking ahead of the trip to Orlando, Steve Harper commented: "I've been fortunate to represent Newcastle United around the world and wherever the club has travelled, we have always received incredible support.
"We had a pre-season in Orlando, and I have fond memories of our time there as it helped us prepare well for the season ahead. The team were given a great welcome during our stay, and we had the opportunity to meet with fans during the trip.
"Our brilliant fans back the club throughout the world and we have a great following across America, so it will be great to see them throughout the two-day event. This is the first time we have been able to be part of the Premier League Mornings Live and it's something that we are looking forward to being part of."
Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters said: "Premier League Mornings Live is our way of giving dedicated football fans in the US, who get up early in the morning to watch their teams in action, a unique Premier League matchday experience.
"We are excited to head to Orlando for this next Fan Fest with NBC Sports and give supporters there the opportunity to take part in free and fun activity at the iconic Universal CityWalk."
The Orlando fan festival is the eighth Premier League Mornings Live supporter event to be presented by NBC Sports and the Premier League, and the second this season, following the Philadelphia fan fest.
Previous fan festivals were held in Washington DC, New York, Boston, Austin, Miami Beach, and Los Angeles. More than 50,000 soccer fans in the US have attended Premier League Mornings Live events to date, which create a unique matchday experience for fans on-site and display the energy and passion of the Premier League for millions watching at home.
"Our brilliant fans back the club throughout the world and we have a great following across America, so it will be great to see them throughout the two-day event."