Black Cats duo support EFL Week of Action with community visit

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.

The Sunderland AFC defensive duo met young supporters from the Foundation of Light’s programmes and got involved in some activities.

“I think for the club, it’s good to be engaged with fans. The kids are a massive part of the fanbase.” said Alese after stopping for several photographs with young Black Cats.

On the facilities on offer at the Beacon of Light, he added: “From the kids’ point of view, it’s good for them to have a place that they can come to and express themselves.

“Whether it’s in sports, eSports, drawing, or whatever it is, there’s lots of stuff to do here. I’ve never seen anything like this.

“Growing up I had leisure centres and local gyms and stuff like that, but never anywhere like this where you can do a variety of things, indoor and outdoor.

“It’s great for the kids. I wish I was one of them and I had this facility.”

The pair toured the facilities of the Beacon of Light, heading to the World of Work zones including the eSports room where they spent some time with the participants and talked about their upcoming project to design a game.

Next stop was the indoor arena where they joined youngsters enjoying a multi-game and activity session, getting involved in games of 'crab football' and 'Mario tag.'

Finally, the Black Cats stars headed to the outdoor pitches to join football course participants for a kickabout, before heading up to the rooftop pitch to see the facility.

On their day at the Beacon, Seelt said: “Ajax was my favourite team when I was young, and my dad always took me to these like ‘kids’ days.’

“I had a little experience when I was young, and I always enjoyed it, so I know how it feels for the kids. It’s always nice when you get recognition, and the fans are happy to see you.”