EFL clubs launch 'Extra Time Hubs'

Sunderland AFC legends Jimmy Montgomery and Gary Bennett will join Foundation of Light's Extra Time Hub members to celebrate the project's national launch. This Monday (17th June) Gary and Jimmy are set to enjoy a full day of activities including pilates, walking football and ukulele playing alongside the Hub's participants, who all over 55, at the Beacon of Light. Cookery lessons in the Beacon's Ministry of Food Teaching Kitchen are also on the agenda as the SAFC's official charity joins 11 clubs across the country in raising awareness of the Extra Time Hub's which helps retired and semi-retired people enjoy their leisure time. Speaking ahead of the launch, Hub Activator Nicky, said: "We're really looking forward to Monday's launch and have an exciting day of activities planned. "New members are always welcome – take the opportunity to come along to the Beacon of Light on Monday and see what our Extra Time Hub is all about. "We have a good group of people attending the Hub and we have a laugh and a lot of fun." Extra Time Hubs is a national project from the EFL Trust and gives people who are retired the opportunity to meet like-minded people and create activities for the group which could have a benefit to their physical and mental health. Empowering people to decide which activities they want to do, the Foundation's Hub members have enjoyed a range of sports alongside seated exercise sessions, cookery classes, cultural trips to historic sites and tours of the Academy of Light and Stadium of Light.

The Hub gives me a reason to leave the house and be more sociable. By coming to the Beacon, I have met new friends, done things which I thought I would not be able to do and more importantly has given me a more positive outlook on life.

Tom, Foundation of Light Extra Time Hub member

The official launch of Extra Time Hubs has been timed to coincide with Loneliness Awareness Week (17th-21st June) and has been made possible with the support of Sport England's Active Ageing Fund from the National Lottery. The activities at the Beacon of Light start at 10am on Monday 17th June 2019. New members do not need to pre-register and are welcome to turn up on the day.