Lance Hardy Writing Competition

Following the recent publication of Sir Bob Murray’s autobiography, I’d Do It All Again, the Foundation of Light would like to celebrate the life and talent of author Lance Hardy, who began writing the book before sadly passing away in 2021.

A special writing competition is being launched to give budding sports writers the platform to showcase their talents in Lance’s memory.

The Foundation of Light, along with Sunderland AFC, is encouraging aspiring authors to share their stories or commit their own sporting experiences to paper and submit them as part of the Lance Hardy Writing Competition.

Lance, a former BBC sports editor, producer and author wrote eight sports books. He was particularly well-versed in all things Sunderland, having written a book documenting the club’s famous 1973 FA Cup victory, Stokoe, Sunderland and '73. Not from the north east, it was the magic of the ‘73 cup run that captured his imagination and started his love affair with Sunderland AFC.

Commenting on the competition launch, Lijana Sutich, Lance’s partner, said: “The way in which the Foundation of Light is honouring Lance, coupled with this special opportunity for Sunderland fans, would have held a very special place in his heart as Lance was both a devoted Sunderland fan and writer.”

Competition entries can be influenced by one of three topics, My First Match, Football and Mining Heritage or more generally under the title Inspired by Sport, with cash prizes up for grabs across three different age categories.

The competition is open to all ages and entries will be judged by a distinguished sports writing panel; Henry Winter, Chief Football Writer for The Times, SAFC Historian Rob Mason, Toby Trotman, Commercial Director of Vision Sports Publishing and David Luxton, Literary Agent.

FULL COMPETITION DETAILS 

The competition is open to three age groups:

• Up to 11 years 
• 12 to 15 years  
• Aged 16 and over

In each age group contributors can choose to write on one of the following topics: My First Match, Football and Mining Heritage or Inspired by Sport. To enter, participants only have to write about one of these topics but can choose to enter one or more categories. 

Whichever title is selected, participants must stick to the following word limits to be considered for a prize. 

Up to 11 years:           Up to 500 words 

12 to 15 years:            500 to 1,000 words 

16 and over:                Up to 1,500 words

WHERE TO SEND YOUR ENTRY 
Entries should be submitted in a word document and emailed to alyson.dixon@foundationoflight.co.uk, alternatively entries can be posted to Alyson Dixon, Foundation of Light, Beacon of Light, Stadium Park, Sunderland, SR5 1SN 

Entries must include the author’s full name and contact details; age category being entered and which topic they have chosen to write under. 

Entries can be submitted at any time before the closing date on 24 November 2023. Entries received after this date will not be considered.

All entries must be entirely the author’s own work and must not have been published anywhere else. 

The judges’ decision will be final, and no post competition correspondence will be entered into. 

Prizes are sponsored by Sir Bob Murray CBE.

All winners will also have their story published in full on the Foundation of Light website with extracts also published in the Sunderland AFC matchday programme.

A pitch side presentation at a future Sunderland AFC game will be offered to the First Prize winners who can attend a home match. Winners will also be invited to accompany the SAFC club historian Rob Mason to the post-match press conference with the SAFC manager.  

Winner in the under-16 age group categories will need to be accompanied by a responsible adult.