Round-up: April's activity at the Foundation of Light

From inspiring participant stories to activity-packed half-term delivery, April 2024 was full of action at the Foundation of Light. 

Premier League Inspires Challenge

Premier League Inspires participants from Hetton Academy sat down with Sunderland AFC’s Jack Clarke and Bradley Dack for a candid discussion on mental health.

The discussion was part of their social action project for the Inspires Challenge, as the group aimed to engage more Sunderland AFC fans in talking about their mental health by opening up the discussion with players, who many people across the region look up to.

The Hetton Academy students then headed down to Wembley Stadium to talk about their project with peers from 45 football club community organisations from across the country.

For the full story and to watch highlights of the discussion: Click Here

Foundation recognise World Parkinson’s Day

On World Parkinson’s Day, we shared the stories of some of our participants taking part in the neurological walking football sessions with Parkinson’s UK.

Kevin Ramsey, aged 54, and 66-year-old Erika Cummings shared their journeys with Parkinson’s disease and how the walking football sessions have helped them.

To read more or hear from Kevin and Erika: Click Here

Stagecoach on board to support Holiday Courses

The UK’s largest transport operator have given their backing to Foundation of Light’s holiday courses and to celebrate, they brought along one of their buses during the Easter half-term.

Youngsters climbed aboard for a whistle stop tour of Stadium Park, with special guest conductor, Sunderland AFC mascot, Samson the Cat.

Full story: Click Here

Foundation Believe in offering support to women

In April, Foundation of Light were proud to launch our dedicated women’s mental health group, Believe. 

The initiative marks a significant milestone for the Foundation as this is the first group of its kind in addressing the mental health needs of women in our community.

The free to attend drop-in group is open to all females aged 18+. The first ‘Believe’ session will take place at the Beacon of Light on Tuesday 23 April, 6.30 - 7.30pm and every Tuesday thereafter.

More details: Click Here

New Yard Nine café unveiled at Beacon

The Beacon of Light's new café officially opened its doors midway through April.

'Yard Nine' is inspired by Sunderland's shipyards and rich industrial history, named after the closest shipyard of the 76 based along the River Wear to the Beacon's location today. 

What sets Yard Nine apart from other coffee shops, is that all profits will directly support the Foundation of Light, the charitable arm of Sunderland AFC.

Full Story: Click Here

Sir Bob pays tribute to Charlie Hurley

On 22^nd April Charlie Hurley, one of the greatest players in the history of Sunderland AFC, sadly passed away. During his time as Chairman of the football club, Foundation of Light Chair of Trustees, Sir Bob Murray, had the chance to get to know Charlie, which he calls ‘one of my greatest privileges.’

To read Sir Bob’s touching tribute to ‘The King’: Click Here

Elsewhere in April

We hosted a Show Racism the Red Card workshop for local Primary Stars students after Sunderland AFC's matchday dedicated to the anti-racism charity.

We had a jam-packed Easter of delivery with our ever-popular half-term holiday courses, and the first Foundation of Light Family Fun Day of 2024. You can see the full gallery from Family Fun Day on Facebook: Click Here

Kellogg's Football Camps were launched, with over 30,000 free places available across the country this summer. More details: Click Here

We recognised Earth Day, encouraging people to make lifestyle choices that can help save the planet with Northumbria Water.