#OneClubOurClub campaign launched

Sunderland AFC are proud to announce the launch of #OneClubOurClub, a new club-wide campaign focused on showcasing the very best of SAFC. Passion, pride and togetherness take centre stage when Saturday comes, but that drive fuels our club 24/7, with life-changing work undertaken on a daily basis from the Academy of Light to the Beacon of Light. Building on the ‘One Club, Your Club’ ethos introduced one year ago, the campaign will provide a unique insight into the first-team, academy, SAFC Ladies and Foundation of Light, while also chronicling the stories of the many fans who play a central role in our collective success both on and off the pitch. Last season, academy products old and new continued to flourish, as Jordan Henderson and Lucy Bronze were crowned champions of Europe and three national titles were signed, sealed and delivered by the young Black Cats hoping to follow in their footsteps. And back on Wearside, supporter and community-led initiatives paved the way, from the award-winning ‘Big Seat Change’ to the ‘Gift of Football’ campaign that toppled the first of numerous attendance records. Promotion is once again the primary objective for both the Lads and Lasses, and from the terraces to the treatment room, we all have a part to play. Chief Executive of Foundation of Light, Lesley Spuhler OBE, said: "Sunderland AFC fans are passionate about their community and their club. They have shown time and again their strong desire to look after their own and provide for those most in need.  

Using the power of sport and our football club, we are improving the lives of tens of thousands of people each year; people of all ages and backgrounds, including some of the most disadvantaged in the North East.

"From helping people into work, supporting their education to improving their physical and mental health, together we are making a real difference to our communities.” SAFC’s Executive Director, Charlie Methven, said: “A successful football club is not just one that achieves great things on the pitch, but one that makes people feel proud to be part of, and feel an identity with, through their actions off it. Last year was about reconnecting and rebuilding, and with a new season on the horizon, it’s vitally important that we continue to build on the foundations established to ensure every aspect of SAFC has a sustainable and successful future.” Black Cats Manager, Jack Ross, added: “I see the desire people have to bring success to this football club on a daily basis, whether that’s the coaching staff within the academy or many volunteers at the Foundation of Light, and what they all have in common is that they are die-hard Sunderland supporters. I have often spoken about the hard work conducted behind the scenes at the club, but through this new campaign, supporters will be able to witness it first-hand.” Academy Manager, Paul Reid, said: “To be able to showcase the impact that the staff have on the wider community will enable supporters an insight into the scale and reach that the football club has. Within the academy, we are dedicated to not only improving young footballers, but educating young people on the life skills needed for the future. So many successes can be highlighted from the foundation and academy, and this campaign allows those stories to have a meaningful platform. SAFC Ladies Manager, Mel Reay, added: “Women’s football has once again inspired this summer through the Lionesses’ success at the World Cup, but as clubs, it’s critical that we build on that momentum. This campaign will help to do exactly that, and as staff, players and supporters, we all have a part to play. Just like the first team, we regrouped and started to rebuild last season, and one year later, we are all raring to go and we want to win the league.”