Foundation of Light introduces transformational place-based football academy at Consett AFC
The pioneering academy, based at the football club’s Belle View Stadium, aims to remove long-standing barriers to education and high-performance coaching.
Former Lioness and Sunderland’s own Jill Scott made a surprise appearance at the Beacon of Light.
Participants from the Foundation of Light’s holiday courses received a special visit from the former Sunderland, Manchester City, and England footballer and star of the Stick to Football podcast.
Scott joined the Foundation of Light’s Board of Trustees in March, returning to where she started as a work experience football coach at 17-years-old.

Schoolchildren enjoying summer holiday activity at the Beacon of Light were delighted to meet the former pro who got stuck into the sessions, joining in with football course and holiday club participants before stopping for a coffee at the Yard Nine café.
Before heading out, the Foundation's newest trustee made one more stop to talk to participants from the Parkinson's Walking Football session, learning how they are continuing to stay active and play football while fighting neurological illnesses.

To see what courses we have available, or to make a booking, click here: Book Online
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.
Foundation of Light has recognised Isla Cameron as one of its Wear 25 award winners, following her call-up to the England U13s Deaf Futsal team.