Military Veterans represent Foundation and Sunderland AFC at national cup

A team from the Foundation of Light’s veteran programme represented Sunderland AFC at the inaugural EFL/Royal British Legion Football Cup earlier this year.

Organised and captained by the Foundation’s David Bygate-Pittiglio (RAF Veteran) and Liam Oliver (Army Veteran), Sunderland AFC’s Military Veteran Football Team headed to the RBL Battle Back Centre in Lileshall.

With support from Sunderland AFC’s Supporter Liaison Officer, Chris Waters, the team were donated football kit by Hummel printed with the 1973 Cup Final badge.

After seven games against other Military Veteran sides, the Black Cats representatives went unbeaten with five wins and two draws to qualify for the semi-finals from a group which included Millwall FC, Leeds United, and Sheffield Wednesday.

In the semi-final they faced a rematch with Millwall, who the Sunderland side had beaten 2-1 in the group stage, but this time the Lions set out to frustrate. Holding firm until the full-time whistle, Millwall’s goalkeeper was the hero in the penalty shootout with two great saves to knock Sunderland out in the semi-final.

Organiser and coach, Bygate-Pittiglio, said: “I couldn’t be any prouder of the lads, they dug deep over the weekend and never gave up.

“Even when a few of them were carrying injuries, they battled on and did themselves and their club proud.

“I would like to place on record my thanks to the Foundation of Light for donating the use of one of their minibuses to get the team down to the tournament and for their support with the Veterans programme, without which opportunities like this wouldn’t be possible.

“Thanks to Chris Waters and Sunderland AFC, Hummel and Fanatics for organising bespoke kits for the team to wear, which made them feel like they were truly representing the club on the pitch.

“This is an experience I will never forget and that is down to the support we received in the run up to the tournament as well as the hospitality offered by the Royal British Legion and the EFL.

"Finally, but most importantly, thank you to the amazing team of players and assistant coach that I was able to spend an unforgettable weekend with."

Foundation of Light hosts two weekly Veterans Football sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The sessions run from 7pm to 8:30pm and are free for military veterans of all ages and abilities, no matter how long you served.

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