Playing at St James’ Park: Fulfilling my Dad’s Inspiration, Named after Kevin Keegan
Amber-Keegan Stobbs, the captain of Newcastle United Women’s team, is about to fulfill a childhood dream as she prepares to play at St James’ Park for the first time on Sunday. What makes this moment even more special is the fact that Stobbs was named after Toon icon Kevin Keegan by her dad. The London-born midfielder, whose football journey began in the academies of Arsenal and Chelsea, first attended a game at St James’ at the age of seven, where she witnessed Newcastle’s victory over Aston Villa. This experience left a lasting impression on her and ignited her passion for the club.
Stobbs vividly remembers that day in 1999 when she walked into the stadium and was immediately overwhelmed by the atmosphere. Sitting in the K section, surrounded by grey seats, her dad turned to her and explained why they were in that particular section. He kept repeating the name ‘Keegan’, creating a sense of connection and instilling a deep love for Newcastle United within Stobbs. She describes this memory as her favorite growing up as a Newcastle fan, as the St James’ Park atmosphere engulfed her, even at such a young age.
Since then, Stobbs has had an impressive football career, playing for nine different clubs including Reading, Everton, and Crystal Palace. Last summer, she joined Newcastle United Women’s team after leaving Championship side Lewes. This move to the third tier has proven to be successful for Stobbs, as Newcastle currently sit at the top of the Northern Premier Division under the guidance of manager Becky Langley.
Stobbs believes that her experience gained from playing in various clubs and different divisions can be instrumental in helping Newcastle make the leap into the Championship. She was honored when Langley appointed her as the team captain and sees it as an opportunity to share the lessons she has learned throughout her career. Stobbs reflects on the relegation from the Championship, winning the Championship, and narrowly missing out on promotion to the Women’s Super League by one point. These experiences have taught her valuable lessons and have given her insight into what it takes to succeed.
Newcastle United Women’s team last played at St James’ Park in April 2021, where they secured an impressive 6-1 victory against Bradford in front of a crowd of 24,000. This match showcased the team’s potential and the support they have from their fans.
Aside from her football career, Stobbs is also studying for a counseling diploma and has spoken about the importance of mental health in sports. She believes in supporting the well-being of her teammates and ensuring that everyone is able to enjoy life alongside pursuing their dreams of playing football.
As Stobbs prepares to step onto the hallowed turf of St James’ Park, she is not only fulfilling her own childhood dream but also carrying the hopes and inspiration of her dad, who named her after the legendary Kevin Keegan. It is a moment that symbolizes the power of football to create lifelong memories and connections, and for Stobbs, it represents the culmination of years of hard work and dedication.