Foundation of Light are revisiting some of our former learners, students, participants, and graduates as part of the charity’s 25th anniversary celebrations.
The series will take a look at the continued, life-changing impact of Sunderland AFC’s official charity, learning more about how individuals have progressed since leaving our programmes.
Tase Olusanya, aged nine, won the ‘Shining Star’ award at the Foundation of Light’s 2023 Gala Awards Dinner.
The award recognised the then-six-year-old’s consistent enthusiasm in Premier League Primary Stars sessions at St Leonard’s Primary School, alongside his progression into the ‘Promising Little Dribblers’ programme.
Jake Hannah, a former staff member at the Foundation of Light who is now coaching within the Sunderland AFC Academy, recalled how he first spotted Tase in those sessions: “He was in my Primary Stars sessions at this school.
“He had a clear ability to move and perform well throughout activities involving a range of skills and sports.
“Tase would follow instructions well but would very rarely be the first to answer questions and wasn’t comfortable speaking in front of the group.”
Jake sought to help Tase bring out his clear positive qualities more, through encouragement, helping him to shine in future classes.
“By the time I left my role at the Foundation, it was great to see Tase use his skills to excel in PE lessons and also get involved with older children on the school yard, playing a range of sports,” Jake added.
Tase was invited into ‘Promising Little Dribblers’ – an invite-only football programme at the start of the Foundation’s Player Pathway for players aged 4-6.
Alongside his development and training on the Foundation’s Player Pathway sessions, Tase played grassroots football for one of our Foundation Community Club teams.
In October 2025, the hard work paid off, with the nine-year-old signing for the Sunderland AFC Academy’s Under-9s team.
“Tase is currently doing well in his football and has shown great commitment and social skills throughout his short time in the academy so far,” Jake commented.
“I’m happy to see that he’s enjoying his football, he’s got a great attitude on and off the pitch, great support from home, so I’m excited to see where his journey takes him.”
Though still just nine, Tase understands and appreciates the Foundation’s support of his journey.
“I always enjoyed PE with the Foundation because you get a certificate if you do very well in sessions,” Tase recalled.
“The Foundation has helped me develop my passion for football, now I have been signed by the Sunderland AFC Academy.
“I was very excited because of the effort I have put in. I love football and would love to play in the first-team in the future.”
Tase’s parents also recognise the Foundation of Light’s important role in his development.
“We believe Tase has learned his core values from the Foundation. The time spent in the Foundation, people he met, the awards, were the bedrock upon which he builds,” his father, Olusola Olusanya, said.
“He’s more disciplined, attentive, decisive. He’s always been confident, and both teammates and coaches enjoy having him.
“We’re very proud parents, of his talent, progression, and development. We can’t be more grateful to the Foundation of Light for believing in his potential.
“Sunderland AFC is a growing part of our family, with a theme of a team that never gives up, ‘til the end!”
Foundation of Light are excited to introduce a new partnership with Northern Premier League club Consett AFC, creating a clear pathway for male football scholarship players.
The pioneering academy, based at the football club’s Belle View Stadium, aims to remove long-standing barriers to education and high-performance coaching.
Foundation of Light, the official charity of Sunderland AFC, has made significant savings on energy costs thanks to a new partnership with Sunderland-based energy broker, Utilink Consulting.