Foundation of Light hosted an exciting morning as Sunderland AFC’s fixtures for their return to the Premier League in 2025-26 were revealed at a special networking event at the Beacon of Light.
The Fixtures Breakfast, a highlight of the Foundation of Light’s Business Breakfast series, welcomes partners of Sunderland AFC and their official charity for a morning of discussion on fixture release day.
Former BBC presenter Jeff Brown hosted a panel discussion featuring Sunderland AFC’s Chief Business Officer David Bruce, Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman, and former players Kevin Ball and Darren Williams.
The group discussed an incredible 2024-25 promotion campaign, the further development of Sunderland AFC commercially and on the field, and returning to the Premier League.
As an opening day at home to West Ham United was revealed on the stroke of 9am, the panel spoke about some of the key dates including the derbies and the festive period.
“We’ve had eight years of being away from the Premier League and the Fixtures Breakfasts have always been a good event,” said Foundation of Light Managing Director, Jamie Wright, after the event.
“But there’s something a bit different about getting the fixtures like Newcastle, Liverpool, Man City, and Arsenal.
“It’s an exciting event for everyone to be part of. The club and the Foundation should be working hand in hand. We’re their official charity and they are our USP.
“The fact that we’ve worked collaboratively to put on events like this showcases the strength of both brands and how businesses can achieve their CSR goals by working with both club and Foundation.
“I think everybody has felt over the past three weeks, the enormous impact of being back in the Premier League. There is a lift, you can feel it.
“For the Foundation, returning to the Premier League is a huge benefit, we’ve probably downplayed it over the last eight years. Being back in, there’s not only an uplift in funding that we can receive, but there’s more opportunities to explore as well.”
The ’We Are Role Models’ campaign shines a light on the Foundation’s ongoing work across Sunderland, South Tyneside and County Durham, supporting boys and young men through sport, education and mentoring.
In our latest piece we catch up with Claire Bovill and Julie McCann about their volunteering experiences.
Foundation of Light are proud to be launching free football sessions as part of the Wear One campaign which is addressing inequalities and making sports and activities more accessible.