2026 is a big year for the Foundation of Light and it showed no signs of slowing down in February.
From our first holiday courses of the year to some important announcement, there has been a lot to shout about. Here’s our round-up of February at the Foundation:
25 Peaks Challenge announced for 25th anniversary year
Foundation of Light trustee and Lioness legend Jill Scott challenged supporters to “make this a 25th anniversary to remember” by taking on the Foundation’s 25 Peaks Challenge.
The major fundraising challenge for the landmark year tasks supporters with taking on 25 classic summits in 25 hours, covering 40km+ and climbing more than 4,262 metres, higher than Mt Toubkal.
The route weaves over rugged ridgelines and rocky ascents, including Helvellyn, Great Gable and Scafell Pike, giving you some of the most striking mountain views in England.
To find out more – Click Here.
Foundation hosts regional qualifiers of Primary Stars National Girls Tournament
Beacon of Light played host to the regional qualifiers of the Primary Stars National Girls Football Tournament, which is giving thousands of girls across the country a chance to represent their club and compete.
Thorney Close Primary School were picked to represent the Foundation of Light and Sunderland AFC, but it was Carlisle United’s representatives Thomlinson Junior School who came out on top on the day.
The event was about more than just football, with the school teams also taking part in a series of workshops around teamwork, health, and wellbeing.
Date revealed for Foundation of Light Matchday
Sunderland AFC will once again shine a light on its official charity when the Foundation of Light Matchday returns for the visit of Brighton & Hove Albion, a special occasion celebrating the life-changing work delivered across the North East.
The fixture also forms part of the Premier League’s Community Weekend and the wider More Than A Game campaign, recognising the impact that clubs and their charities make in communities across the country.
For more information - Click Here
Game of II Halves Conference announced
In February we announced the return of the Game of II Halves Conference after a successful relaunch in 2025.
This year's conference, titled 'Real Talk' will take place on Wednesday 29 April, from 12:30pm to 5pm, at the Beacon of Light.
The event is free to attend. For more information - Click Here
Foundation Coach Katie Gibson represents Sunderland in China
Foundation of Light Sports Development Officer Katie Gibson recently headed to the Shandong Province of China as part of the Premier League Community Coach Development Programme.
Representing Sunderland, the Foundation of Light, and the Premier League, Katie helped lead the four-day programme which brought together 40 grassroots coaches from across China.
For the full story - Click Here
We celebrated National Apprenticeship Week
National Apprenticeship Week took place in February and we celebrated by catching up with Foundation of Light apprentices past and present.
To hear from Demi and Ryan - Click Here
Shared the stories of successful participants past and present
We also shared the stories of Foundation participants past and present in February.
Tase Olusanya is a former Gala Awards Dinner winner and has now signed for Sunderland AFC Academy U9s.
To hear Tase's story - Click Here
Maizie Lou Stamp won one of our first Wear 25 awards, recognising participants throughout our 25th anniversary year.
The young footballer has grown in confidence after initially struggling with stepping up to a new group.
To hear Maizie's story - Click Here
Elsewhere in February
We welcomed scholars from Spain over to the North East for our 'Inglaterra en Casa' programme.
Over 600 youngsters attended February Holiday Courses which included some special visits from Sunderlanf AFC players past and present.
The Beacon of Light's Yard Nine Café introduces a 'Pay it Forward' initiative on Random Act of Kindness Day offering customers the chance to pay for a stranger's coffee and leave a kind message.
Delivered in partnership with the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, Brew and Banter provides a welcoming space for veterans to enjoy a cuppa and chat, alongside opportunities for low-impact physical activity.
Foundation of Light Matchday returns for the visit of Brighton & Hove Albion, a special occasion celebrating the life-changing work delivered across the North East.
As part of National Apprenticeship week, Sunderland AFC’s official charity is catching up with some of our apprentices, past and present, who have started their careers by combining learning and work experience.