Kids to play at Stadium of Light as Play on the Pitch returns

14 May 2026
Kids to play at Stadium of Light as Play on the Pitch returns

Play on the Pitch returns to the Stadium of Light this May, giving young footballers the chance to follow in the footsteps of their Sunderland AFC heroes in a special event hosted by Foundation of Light.

Following the success of last year’s event, Sunderland AFC’s official charity is once again offering children aged 6 to 14 the unforgettable experience of playing at the home of the Black Cats. 

Taking place on Sunday 31 May, each one-hour session will give participants the opportunity to run out of the tunnel, play on the pitch, have their photograph taken pitchside and receive a commemorative certificate to mark the occasion.

Spaces go on sale from 9am on Friday 15 May via Foundation of Light’s online booking platform, Abler:

Abler - Click Here

Available time slots:

Time
Age group
Price
8am - 9am
6-14 year-olds
£40
9:10am - 10:10am 
6-14 year-olds
£40
10:20am - 11:20am 
6-14 year-olds
£40


Registration on the day takes place at the Beacon of Light, with all players chaperoned to the Stadium of Light. Spectators are welcome and can watch the action from the West Stand in the Stadium of Light, with refreshments available before and after at Yard Nine café in the Beacon of Light.

There are a limited amount of places available for each session, with 100 spaces per time slot, so demand for places is expected to be high.

Places can be booked online at the following link from Friday 15 May at 9am (please note, the link will go live at this time, you will not be able to access it earlier):

Book Online - Click Here

Foundation of Light Play on the Pitch includes:

  • Pitchside photograph
  • Commemorative certificate
  • Run out of the tunnel
  • Spectators welcome
  • Refreshments available at Yard Nine cafe

FAQs 

If you need any more information about the day, please check if these are covered by our Play on the Pitch FAQs:

FAQs - Click Here

Using Abler

Our online booking platform, Abler, is simple and easy to use. If this is your first time booking with us, please follow these steps:

  • Download the free Abler app
  • Create your account (best to verify both phone number and email upon signup)
  • Book your sessions as normal

Any issues, please see the user ​guide >>>


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