Good luck, Keira! - SAFC Women's legend retires

Foundation of Light would like to congratulate Sunderland AFC Women’s captain, Keira Ramshaw, on an incredible career following the announcement of her retirement from football.

After an outstanding 14-year-spell in the first-team, the club’s longest-serving player has sadly had to medically retire due to an injury sustained in October 2022.

The 29-year-old has been a champion of the Foundation’s work, especially the opportunities given to young female players from a young age, having benefited from the women’s pathways during her development.

Keira, who was spotted by the Foundation at the age of 7, said: “They’ve immensely helped me in my career, whether it’s been on the pitch or off the pitch.

“They’ve helped with my teamwork skills and confidence. The Foundation has helped to provide me with a building block of how to conduct myself in and out of sport.”

Keira also explained how doing her work experience with the Foundation made her realise she should prepare for life after football and began equipping herself with skills to help her future career.

“The experience gave me so many skills and it actually made me want to go onto the pathway to work in a school and help children,” she said.

“I now work as a teaching assistant, so I’ve got the Foundation to thank not only for my football and where I am now, but also for work qualities as well.”

With 244 senior appearances to her name for SAFC Women, including promotions and Player of the Year awards, the midfielder has been a shining example for aspiring female footballers on Wearside.

Away from her leadership on the pitch, Keira has regularly engaged with her community, often making appearances at Foundation of Light sessions to meet the participants of our programmes.

Everyone at the Foundation of Light would like to thank Keira for her contribution to our community and wish her all the best for the future.

Good luck, Keira!