Foundation of Light and Sunderland AFC win Armed Forces Gold Award

Foundation of Light and Sunderland AFC have won the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award in recognition of our ongoing commitment to the armed forces community. 

The Gold Award is the highest badge of honour an employer can receive in the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. 

Sunderland AFC’s official charity has received the award alongside the club, who become the first football team in the North East to receive the accolade.

The Black Cats and their charity partners frequently support the armed forces community, hosting a monthly Veteran’s Breakfast, a range of programmes aimed towards military veterans, and last season, launched Heroes’ Week, a commemorative week around Remembrance Sunday to honour the city’s military heritage.

On winning the award, Foundation of Light CEO Lesley Spuhler said: “To receive the highest possible honour for an armed forces employer underlines the Foundation’s commitment to service men and women within our community.

“We are incredibly proud to support the armed forces community through programmes aimed at keeping veterans active and engaged. It’s particularly pleasing that some of these programmes are delivered by veterans who now form a crucial part of the team at the Foundation of Light.”

SAFC’s Chief Business Officer David Bruce added: “We are extremely proud to have received this award alongside the Foundation of Light. We have a deep connection to our armed forces, and this accolade highlights our commitment to recognising the service men and women who mean so much to our Club and our city, and we will continue to support this community.”

Brigadier Paul Baker, North of England RFCA Chief Executive commented: “There has always been great support for the Armed Forces within the North East of England but the number of companies prepared to publicly demonstrate this support is truly heartening proof not only that such support continues, but that it grows, especially in such challenging times. 

“These Gold Employer Recognition Scheme Awards are recognition of the tremendous backing and encouragement these organisations provide to their employees who are also Reservists, Adult Volunteers within the Cadet Forces, Veterans and their families. Thank you and well done to everyone involved.”