Jill Scott signs for SAFC's official charity

Former Lioness and Queen of the Jungle, Jill Scott has joined the Board of Trustees at the Foundation of Light. 

Jill has taken on the role with Sunderland AFC’s official charity, following an invite from former Black Cats Chairman Sir Bob Murray and Foundation Chief Executive Lesley Spuhler.  

Jill joins an ever-growing list of household names already on the Board of Trustees, alongside Chair Sir Bob Murray, including Kyrill Louis-Dreyfus, Kate Adie, George Clarke, Steve Cram, The Rt Hon The Baroness Estelle Morris of Yardley, Colonel The Hon James Ramsbotham, Sir Tim Rice, Martin Hibbert and Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson. 

The appointment is a very proud moment for Jill, who started her career pathway with the Foundation when she was 17-years-old: “I love coming back to Sunderland, especially the Stadium of Light and the Beacon of Light, it brings back all the memories I have of playing football and going to the games with my Grandad,” the former Lioness explained.  

“Foundation of Light has played a huge role in my career. When I first got involved, women’s football certainly wasn't where it is now and I’m so grateful that they saw my potential and gave me the opportunity to do some coaching and work experience. These opportunities helped me find my passion and realise that I could make a career out of football. Before that it was a dream that I thought couldn’t exist.” 

Now Jill is back where it all began to support the organisation in a different role: “I’m delighted to be on the Board of Trustees at the Foundation of Light.   
“It’s a very important role and I’m honoured to be sitting alongside Sir Bob Murray and Steve Cram, two people very proud of their Sunderland roots like me,” Jill added.  

“I'm hoping that through my new position I’ll be able to support the growth of the women's football provision. If I can make a difference by even 1% it will be worth it.” 

Foundation of Light Chair of Trustees Sir Bob said: “We’re delighted to welcome Jill on the Board of Trustees.” 

“Jill has achieved so much in her career, starting at Sunderland and becoming a European Champion with the Lionesses. Everything she represents, epitomises the values we have at the Foundation, she is a great addition. 

“Jill is a great role model for the people we work with, and to have her support is so very special. It means so much to me and the team at the Foundation.” 

Foundation of Light was established in 2001 by Sir Bob Murray.  
 
North East football fans are notorious for their passion and SAFC’s official charity hopes to channel that energy to help make a difference to lives across Wearside.  

Recent studies have shown that health inequalities in the UK are getting worse, with the gap between the North East and the South of England worsening. 

People in communities across our region are living shorter lives; spending most of them in poor health. 
 
Foundation of Light works with up to 20,000 young people and families every year and aim to tackle these issues, encouraging parents and grandparents to stay both physically and mentally active to inspire the next generation to do the same.  

Through various initiatives and programmes and links with Sunderland AFC, the Foundation gives families the opportunity to access sports and fitness sessions, mental health resources and experience the facilities at the Beacon of Light community hub.  

During the 2023-24 season, Foundation will be raising funds to support these initiatives and below is how your money can help:  

• £5 would pay for a young person with a disability access to a sports session 
• £8 pays for an older person to attend activities to stay socially active and improve physical and mental wellbeing  
• £40 will pay for a young person to have access to sessions supporting their physical, mental, and emotional health 
• £100 allows us to develop mental health resources to support up to five people   

Sunderland AFC’s game against QPR on Saturday 16 March KO 3pm, will be official Foundation of Light Day, the biggest day in the fundraising calendar for the charity.  
 
You can donate to support the Foundation's life-changing work by texting FOLFIVE to 70085 to donate £5 or via JustGiving at www.justgiving/safc