To celebrate Foundation of Light Matchday, we’re sharing Adam’s success story.
Thirteen-year-old Adam Ketley, from Newton Aycliffe had been attending the Foundation’s Player Development Centres since 2018, two years before the Covid-19 outbreak.
During the pandemic, Adam spent a lot of time on his own, affecting him socially and psychologically.
Post-lockdown, he was unable to leave the house due to suffering with social anxiety, attachment concerns and panic disorder. The consequences proved extremely difficult for Adam, as he struggled to get back into a routine, causing him to miss his favourite thing in the world – football.
Foundation of Light has taken the following steps to support Adam:
Sports Development Officer, Joey, has built a fantastic relationship with Adam, often going above and beyond, including giving him a mental health wristband to remind him that it is okay not to be okay. Joey’s dedicated work with Adam has helped him to turn a corner, with the latter never failing to leave training without a smile on his face.
Despite struggling with his confidence and anxiety, Adam hasn’t let that overshadow his progress, and he was rewarded in September of last year when two Sunderland stars visited the Beacon.
Dynamic duo Dan Neil and Leon Dajaku joined scores of children as part of the Foundation’s holiday courses and surprised Adam as he was presented with a Top Scorer Award – an accolade that celebrates inspiring stories and triumph over adversity.
Academy graduate, Neil said: “His story is very inspiring. Here at the Foundation, it gives people like Adam a platform to come and achieve things and better their skills, whether that’s football or general life skills. Hopefully more kids can get involved and have a similar story.”
Reflecting on winning a Top Scorer Award, Adam added: “I can’t express how happy I am. It’s all thanks to Joey and the other coaches.
“I really appreciate everything that he does because I know he works hard to try and get me here and he’s pushed me to be the best I can be.”
Fast forward seven months, Adam’s counselling sessions have concluded and he continues to attend the Foundation’s Player Development Centres.
Keep up the great work, Adam.
A group of students from the Foundation of Light’s scholarship and study programmes were given a unique opportunity to visit Japan thanks to funding from the Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation.
Foundation of Light PFA Player Ambassador, Aji Alese, and teammate Jenson Seelt marked EFL Week of Action with a visit to the Beacon of Light.
Foundation of Light, Sunderland AFC’s official charity, is thrilled to announce defender Aji Alese as official PFA Player Ambassador.