Sunderland AFC and Sunderland Women stars helped make our second summer Fun Day one to remember with almost 5,000 supporters joining the celebrations.
Summer signings Bradley Dack, Nectar Triantis joined Amy Goddard, Ellen Jones, Natasha Fenton and Jenna Dear as they joined a host of activities at the Beacon of Light.
The players were shown around the Foundation's home and had the opportunity to join in various activities, including esports, biscuit decorating, UV dancing, badminton, table tennis – and of course football.
The players met youngsters, posed for selfies and signed autographs, with Nectar Triantis admitting he had really enjoyed the day: “The energy the kids have is amazing and the Beacon of Light is a fabulous venue, with so much to offer.”
After also experiencing the Beacon of Light for the first time, Bradley Dack added: “It’s been great; I’ve decorated biscuits and the kids didn’t hold back with the penalties, but I’ve been made to feel really welcome.”
“It’s great for the people of Sunderland to have access to such a facility, I wish there were such things when I was growing up. There’s something for everyone here.”
The Family Fun Day was a free event to showcase the work of the Foundation of Light and the Beacon of Light.
The Beacon is open seven days a week; offering five-a-side football, 4G rooftop pitch, an indoor arena that can be booked for table tennis, basketball, badminton, netball and mult-use games areas.
All money from Beacon of Light bookings goes straight to the Foundation of Light, to support families across the North East, by tackling some of the region's biggest challenges including, obesity, unemployment, anti-social behaviour and poor mental health.
For more information on the Beacon of Light visit www.beaconoflight.co.uk
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.