Round-up: October 2023 at the Foundation of Light

October was an action-packed month for Foundation of Light, as we supported several campaigns, welcomed SAFC players to the Beacon, and Chair of Trustees, Sir Bob Murray, launched his autobiography.

Stoptober

Throughout October, we supported the Department of Health and Social Care’s ‘Stoptober’ campaign. Stoptober is an annual campaign that encourages people to give up smoking for the month of October, driven by evidence that if smokers make it to 28 days smoke free, they are five times more likely to quit for good.

To launch Stoptober, we shared a message from Sunderland AFC stars, and throughout the month we shared case studies from participants who have seen positive changes after quitting smoking.

While Stoptober has ended, you can still receive support in kicking the habit with Sunderland Specialist Stop Smoking Service.

Black History Month

October is Black History Month and throughout the month, our coaches tailored some of their sessions to include education on black history. Broom Cottages Primary School, one of the schools on our Premier League Primary Stars programme, learned all about Pelé, his achievements, and his impact off the pitch as well as on it.

During Black History Month, Show Racism the Red Card held their ‘Wear Red Day’ on Friday 20 October.

We welcomed representatives from Show Racism the Red Card to the Beacon, as they held one of their workshops ahead of Wear Red Day. Also in attendance were SAFC stars Jay Matete and Jenson Seelt, alongside Sunderland legends Kevin Ball and Gary Bennett, as students from local primary schools learned more about racism, how to identify it, the importance of reporting it, and brainstormed anti-racism policies to present to their schools.

I’d Do It All Again 

October also brought the launch of the autobiography of Sir Bob Murray – I’d Do It All Again

The former SAFC Chairman, and visionary behind the Stadium, Academy, and Beacon of Light, launched his book with a ‘talk-in’ event at the Stadium of Light.

Sir Bob established the Foundation of Light during his 20-year tenure as chairman of the Black Cats, and all proceeds from his autobiography will support our ‘Heart on your Sleeve’ campaign.

During his autobiography promotion, Sir Bob also spoke to local and regional press during a media day, recorded podcasts with Sunderland AFC, Roker Report, and Wise Men Say, and took part in further Q&A sessions and book signings.

You can buy a copy of I’d Do It All Again online at the following link: https://shop.visionsp.co.uk/products/id-do-it-all-again-by-sir-bob-murray

Or pick up a copy in person from the SAFC Club Store or Beacon of Light shop.

Lance Hardy Writing Competition

Sir Bob Murray started writing his autobiography with Lance Hardy in 2019, until the esteemed author’s untimely death in August 2021. The book was completed with Lance’s editor and friend, Ian Preece.

To celebrate the life and talent of Lance Hardy, a fervent Sunderland AFC supporter who also authored ‘Stokoe, Sunderland and ‘73’, we have launched a special writing competition in his memory.

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.

There are three age categories (Up to 11 years, 12-15 years, aged 16 and over) with cash prizes and exclusive SAFC experiences up for grabs for the winners.

Winners will be decided by a distinguished judging panel, which includes 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.

For the full details on the competition: Click Here

Sunderland AFC stars join sessions at the Beacon

Jay Matete and Jenson Seelt’s attendance at the Show Racism the Red Card workshop was just one of many visits to the Beacon by SAFC players this month.

Pierre Ekwah and Aji Alese whipped up a storm in the Ministry of Food kitchen, both taking part in cooking sessions with young supporters.

Ekwah joined students from St Mary’s Primary School on World Food Day for a cooking masterclass with the Foundation’s Family Learning team.

Alese took to the kitchen with young SAFC supporters, the winners of our Heart on your Sleeve Crowdfunder prize draw, to take part in a Halloween themed baking session.

Also raising awareness for Heart on your Sleeve, we challenged SAFC stars to take on our Buzz Challenge.

Amongst those taking on the challenge were Luke O’Nien, Trai Hume, and Dan Neil. Find out how they got on here.

The Sunderland Story

Another big act was added to the line-up of our Gala Awards Dinner.

Cast members from The Sunderland Story will perform a 20-minute highlights set of their hit show, which sold out to crowds at the Empire Theatre in May.

It is another excellent addition to the evening, following the announcement of chart-topping recording artist and award-winning actor, Jason Donovan, as a headline act for the event.

Also in October…

We recognised International Day of Older Persons, highlighting some of our programmes for over 55s.

International Teachers Day gave us an opportunity to show appreciation to some of the great teachers working at the Foundation and highlight the teaching qualifications that we deliver.

We supported World Mental Health Day on Tuesday 10 October, sharing ways to improve your mental wellbeing and success stories of our participants.

We hosted over 50 girls for a Primary Stars Girls Football Festival on Thursday 5 October, the budding young footballers taking part in games linked to the four Premier League values: Be ambitious, Be inspiring, Be connected, Be fair.

Children took part in our half-term Holiday Courses at the Beacon of Light, from Slime Club to football courses, we had something for everyone to keep them active over the school holiday. 

SAFC Women stars took a break from their incredible start to the season to meet some of the young players on our Girls' Player Pathway, attending sessions for the Emerging Talent Centre, Player Development Club, and Foundation Community Club. 

October’s episode of the Coaches’ Coffee Club podcast featured FA Physical Education & Coaching in Education Coordinator – Ryan Davies. Listen here