Foundation expands Wildcats Football Centres

Foundation of Light will inspire more girls to get into football by launching new SSE Wildcats Football Centres at venues across the North East. The Foundation launched its first Wildcats Centre at Harton Technology College in April 2018 and due to its success, Sunderland AFC's official charity will host sessions at the Beacon of Light, Easington Colliery Primary School, Lanchester EP Primary and St James RC Primary (Hebburn). The SSE Wildcats project aims encourage girls between five to engage more with football in a fun and friendly environment, allowing them to meet new friends and stay active. All the sessions will be delivered by Foundation of Light's specialist coaches on a weekly basis, offering links to local grassroots clubs, Player Development Centres and the Sunderland Regional Talent Club to ensure there is a clear pathway for girls into football.

We are excited to be expanding our SSE Wildcats Football Centres to venues in Sunderland, South Tyneside and County Durham. The Women's World Cup this summer will inspire thousands of youngsters to play football, some for the first time, and the Wildcats Centres are the perfect environment for them to develop a lifelong love of sport.

Helen Edwards, Premier League Primary Stars Events Coordinator

More than 200 clubs were piloted across England with the scheme now being extended to more than 900 centres with around 26,000 participants across the country.

The sessions are ideal for those who already play football or for girls who want to try football for the first time to improve skills such as balance, agility and co-ordination – for as little as £2 a session. NEW SSE WILDCATS SESSIONS: Beacon of Light (SR5 1SN)

• Monday's, 5.30-6.30pm (3G outdoor pitch) from 1st April.

St James RC Primary, Hebburn (NE31 2BP) 

• Monday's, 3.30-4.30pm (grass pitch) from 1st April.

Easington Colliery Primary, Peterlee (SR8 3DJ)

• Tuesday's, 3.30-4.30pm (grass pitch) from 2nd April.

Lanchester EP Primary, (DH7 0HU)

• Thursday's, 4.30-5.30pm (grass pitch) from 4th April.

Foundation of Light has been praised for its commitment to women and girls football which engages hundreds of participants every year, with the charity's Girls' Talent Pathway shortlisted for 'Best Participation Initiative' at the 2018 FA Women's Football Awards.