Budding players meet SAFC heroes at open training

Young football fans were treated to a holiday course day with a difference as they headed across to the Stadium of Light to watch Sunderland AFC’s open training session.

Participants from the Foundation of Light’s football courses and holiday club were given the chance to meet some of their Black Cats heroes after a morning of activity.

Foundation of Light holiday courses help children stay active and safe outside of school term time, with trained professionals overseeing all activities.

Coaches accompanied the groups to the Stadium of Light to let them see behind the scenes of the table-toppers training session.

Several players headed towards the stands to meet the young fans, take photos, sign autographs, and even challenge a young participant to a footrace on the pitch.

"My son is literally bouncing walking in as he is so happy," said Leanne Collin after her son Noel returned from the Foundation of Light holiday course.

"Thank you for this, I think it's great what you do. My son knows all of your coaches by name, they are great with him."

After the training session, participants returned to the Beacon of Light for more football training and activities.

Foundation of Light Holiday Courses will return for the Christmas break. In the meantime, the latest round of Evening and Weekend courses, our term-time activity schedule, is now available to book online: Click Here