Foundation of Light feels support of community on dedicated SAFC matchday

Foundation of Light felt the support of the Sunderland AFC fans and community throughout 2025’s dedicated matchday.

The Black Cats’ fixture against Millwall was the annual fundraiser for the club’s official charity, this year supporting their Wear One campaign.

The campaign is dedicated to tackling Sunderland’s biggest issues, especially the cost-of-living crisis and the stark statistic that one in three children in the city lives in poverty.

SAFC players and fans have been getting behind the campaign ahead of the game and throughout the day.

Players show support for Wear One

The Sunderland AFC squad donned the Wear One logo during their warm-up and throughout the game on the sleeves of their match shirts.

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Photo Courtesy of Alan Hewson

Action-packed Beacon Fan Zone

The day started at the Beacon of Light’s Matchday Fan Zone where almost 2,000 supporters got involved in a variety of free activities and fundraising.

Attendees were treated to a visit from Sunderland AFC star Leo Hjelde who posed for photographs and signed autographs before joining youngsters for games of badminton and table tennis.

There was something for everyone on offer from the outdoor kickabouts to arts and crafts in one of the Beacon’s classrooms.

Stadium of Light displays support

Wear One took centre stage across the Stadium of Light throughout the day.

Through a collaboration with supporter group This Is Wearside, there was a special flag display ahead of kick-off – marking the first time a football club’s official charity or community organisation has been showcased in such a way at a professional football match.

Prize draw winning mascots walked out onto the turf wearing Wear One warm-up shirts, which were also donned by Samson and Delilah.

Foundation of Light was also highlighted within the matchday programme, on pitchside advertising boards, big screens, and the matchday stream – SAFC Live.

Half Time Takeover

Participants from a range of Foundation of Light programmes took part in a half-time showcase of the charity’s programmes.

Neurological Football, Little Dribblers, and Disability Football took part in kickabouts in front of thousands on the Stadium of Light pitch, while youngsters and parents from Family Learning took part in a game.

Some young supporters were also given the chance to take a penalty in front of the North Stand against Samson, a unique opportunity to feel what it is like to score in front of a packed Stadium of Light.

Several Foundation of Light volunteers walked around the pitch to thank the Sunderland community for their ongoing support.

Photo Courtesy of Alan Hewson