The International Series is to partner with the charitable foundation set up by Newcastle United and England legend Alan Shearer at the upcoming Asian Tour event at Close House, Newcastle, on August 17-20, 2023.
 
Established in 2012 to support the Alan Shearer Centre in Newcastle, which provides respite, residential and social care for people with complex disabilities and acute sensory impairments, the Alan Shearer Foundation ensures essential facilities are provided free of charge to those who need it most.
 
Fundraising will take place throughout the tournament and fans have the chance to donate to the Alan Shearer Foundation when purchasing tickets for International Series England on SeeTickets.
 
The International Series will supplement all fundraising endeavours conducted throughout the week contributing to the $25k donation that the Alan Shearer Foundation will receive.
 
Shearer said: “The Centre and Foundation have gone hand-in-hand to improve the lives of thousands of people living with disabilities across the region. I am incredibly proud of the facilities and care we provide and I am grateful to International Series England and all those who’ve given their generous support over the years.”
 
Representing the charity on-course at Close House and swapping goals for golf, the former striker will kick-off the International Series England in style by headlining a Celebrity Pro-Am, open to the public, on Wednesday 16 August.
 
The Premier League’s all-time leading goal scorer (with 260 PL goals netted through his illustrious career) will be joined by numerous stars from the worlds of sport and entertainment, including former England cricketers Steve Harmison and Ryan Sidebottom, ex-Middlesbrough and Sunderland captain, Lee Cattermole, with more to be confirmed.
 
The Match of the Day pundit added: “Tyneside boasts some of the most passionate sports fans in the world. I’ve no doubt they will be out in force supporting the world-class golf on show at International Series England… and hopefully to see those of us with the privilege of playing alongside the professionals in the Pro-Am!”
 
Alan Shearer Activity Centre Manager, Jackie Dunn, commented: “This extremely generous donation will allow us to complete our exciting plans to re-develop our sensory garden; enhancing the physical well-being, mental health and cognitive development of our members.”
 
Rahul Singh, Head of The International Series, said: “Alan is a phenomenal patron to the North East of England and his charitable contribution showcases an unwavering commitment to the region, which is truly commendable.
 
“The International Series has a duty to the communities we visit, to leave them better than we find them, and the Alan Shearer Foundation is exactly the type of organisation that can help us do that.”
 
Representing 10 premier Asian Tour events, The International Series is characterised by its expanded entry criteria enabling players from all tours to tee-up at iconic global golf courses, in elite fields and compete for enhanced purses with US$19m up for grabs across the 2023 schedule.
 
More information about the Alan Shearer Foundation and Alan Shearer Centre is available at: www.alanshearerfoundation.org.uk and alanshearercentre.org.uk.

Main picture: Alan Shearer tees off during a Pro-Am event in Virginia Water, England. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)