Northumbria Police give 'Gift of Football'

Disabled children and their parents will enjoy a family day out at the Stadium of Light thanks to Northumbria Police. In March, officers from the force's football team competed in Foundation of Light's 'Foundation 5s' tournament with tickets to Sunderland AFC's match with Doncaster Rovers up for grabs for the winners. After an unbeaten run through the group stages and knockout rounds, the team overcame 'SAFC All Stars' in the final to claim the trophy at the Beacon of Light. And, after a unanimous vote between the players and management, Northumbria Police kindly donated the tickets to participants and their families from the Foundation's Making Moves disability coaching sessions. Team captain PC John Boddy, said: "We applaud Foundation of Light's work with local children and are very proud to make this donation.

The players and our management team were unanimous in their decision to continue the Gift of Football and hope the families enjoy their day out at the Stadium of Light.

Asha Thomas, Making Moves Coach, added: "Our youngsters are thrilled to be given the opportunity to watch Sunderland AFC at the Stadium of Light. This will be the first football match for some of them and they can't wait. "We would like to offer our heartfelt thanks to Northumbria Police for continuing the Gift of Football." Good Friday's crucial match has been dedicated to the Foundation of Light to highlight the charity's positive impact on local lives as well as supporting the ‘Give A Quid’ fundraising campaign to improve people’s mental health. One of the youngsters to benefit from Northumbria Police's donation is Top Scorer winner Mia who will be taking to the Stadium of Light pitch alongside other participants to showcase the Foundation's life-changing programmes including Little Dribblers, Making Moves, Family Learning and Walking Football. A range of activities such as football coaching and tournaments, player appearances, live music, podcasts and bucket collections will also be taking place. Donations to the #FoLGiveAQuid campaign can be made at the Beacon of Light and Stadium of Light, by texting FOLQUID to 70085 or donate online via justgiving.com. *Costs £1 plus your standard message rate.