Foundation of Light Matchday is almost here and there will be plenty going on to showcase the work of Sunderland AFC’s official charity.
One-off Shirts
The Lads will head out for their warm-up in special shirts promoting the Wear One campaign – the Foundation’s initiative to tackle Sunderland’s ongoing challenges, including the stark reality of 1 in 3 children in the city growing up in poverty.
The Wear One logo will also feature on the left sleeve of the match shirts, which will then be auctioned after the game to raise money for the campaign.
Flag Display
This is Wearside have kindly worked alongside Foundation of Light to create a pre-match flag display for the dedicated matchday.
Please get to your seat ahead of kick-off to raise your flag and help raise awareness for the charity’s continued work for Sunderland and its surrounding region.
SAFC Live
If you’re following the match via the matchday stream, keep your eyes peeled for several Foundation representatives taking part.
Managing Director, Jamie Wright, will join Frankie and Danny for an interview on all things Foundation of Light and Wear One, explaining the organisation’s role in the community for those who would like to learn more.
Fundraising duo, Alfie and Joe – who recently took on a ‘four marathons in four days’ challenge for the Wear One campaign – will be talking all about their bonkers run to Sheffield and support for the Foundation.
A Wearside hero returns
Foundation of Light are delighted to be welcoming Steph Houghton back to Sunderland as our matchday guest.
The former England Lionesses captain started her footballing journey with the Foundation, joining the Centre of Excellence after being spotted on one of their holiday courses.
Houghton will take to the pitch at half-time to draw the Ha’way and Play Lottery.
Half-Time Showcase
Scores of Foundation participants will take part in a showcase of their programmes on the pitch at half-time.
People from the Little Dribblers, Neurological Football, Disability Football, and Family Learning programmes will take to the Stadium of Light turf to demonstrate the range of individuals working with SAFC’s official charity.
There will also be some lucky winners of the Foundation’s prize draws taking part in a penalty shootout against Samson in front of the North Stand.
Beacon of Light Fan Zone
Beacon of Light’s pre-match Fan Zone will be open from 12:30pm with more family friendly activities to get involved in.
As well as the free football kickabouts on the outdoor pitches, there will be a range of sports in the indoor arena, face painting, and arts and crafts.
There will also be prize giveaways to enter, fundraising activities, and stalls where supporters can find out more about the Foundation’s work.
Fundraising
Look out for the bucket collectors around the Stadium of Light and in the Beacon Fan Zone where your small change can add up to a difference-making sum of money.
The Ha’way and Play Matchday Lottery will be running as usual where a £2 ticket will support the Foundation and give you the chance to win £1,000 or a squad signed ball.
There’s also another chance to donate with a chance of winning via the Crowdfunder Prize Draws: Click Here
Sunderland light up Red and White
Major local landmarks will be lighting up Red and White on Friday Evening in support of the Foundation of Light – including Fulwell Mill, Hylton Castle, Keel Square, the Northern Spire bridge, Penshaw Monument, and Seaburn Lighthouse.
Something may look a little different when the Sunderland AFC side take to the pitch for their warm-up against Millwall, as they will wear special shirts highlighting the Wear One campaign.
In a first-of-its-kind collaboration, This Is Wearside, the Sunderland AFC fan group, has partnered with Foundation of Light to deliver a powerful flag display at the Stadium of Light.
Ahead of this Saturday’s home match against Millwall, which will be dedicated to the Foundation’s Wear One campaign, we have been bringing Sunderland AFC supporters the chance to win some unique prizes.