Azeem's Journey: From refugee to volunteer
Azeem Iftikah came to the Foundation of Light to help settle in the UK after arriving as a refugee, but he is now an integral part of the Wear Together sessions at The Venue in Stanley.
Jill Scott visits Foundation of Light summer holiday courses
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.
Foundation of Light CEO, Lesley Spuhler, said: “It was a pleasure to see Jill at the Beacon and engaging with children at our holiday courses.
“Jill is a proud Wearsider and a great role model to people across the region having achieved so much on and off the pitch. I know that her enthusiasm and kindness with our participants made a few days.
“We are lucky to have her support as a Foundation of Light trustee and we look forward to welcoming her back soon."
Foundation of Light summer courses give young people the opportunity to stay active and keep developing their skills during the school holidays, with a wide range of activities available from football to candle making.
To see what courses we have available, or to make a booking, click here: Book Online
Sir Bob Murray says thank you to Foundation of Light volunteers
The former chairman of Sunderland AFC stopped by a volunteer meeting to say thank you to those who give their time to support the work of the club’s official charity.
Summer 2025 programme available to book!
A highlight among the Foundation’s delivery calendar, the summer programme of holiday courses features five weeks of varied activity to keep children active and engaged during the school holidays.