Round-up: Foundation's Leap Year February packed with activity

This year’s 29 days of February brought plenty of activity at the Foundation of Light, from Sunderland AFC player visits to the announcement of Foundation of Light Day – our dedicated SAFC matchday.

Half-term holiday courses with special guests

During February half-term, we hosted holiday courses - delivering days of activity for children on break from school.

The varied courses included football, baking, disability sports, and arts and crafts.

Towards the end of the week, participants were treated to a visit from Sunderland AFC’s Timothèe Pembélé, Adil Aouchiche, and Abdoullah Ba. The trio got involved with several sessions, joining the participants for some dodgeball, football, and even a cupcake decorating competition.

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National Apprenticeship Week

We recognised National Apprenticeship Week by spotlighting the hat-trick of young learners working at the Foundation of Light.

Business Admin apprentices Oliver Collinson and Charli Head and IT Support apprentice Dylan Aiston have made a big impression while learning their trade.

During the week, Oliver represented Foundation of Light at the Great Apprenticeship Bake Off in Grantham, finishing second overall after winning the speciality bake task.

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Foundation of Light Day

In February, it was announced that Sunderland AFC’s game against QPR on Saturday 16 March would be Foundation of Light Day.

The biggest fundraising event of our calendar, the day will highlight the impact of the Foundation’s various initiatives and programmes while raising funds for our ‘Heart on your Sleeve’ campaign.

Sunderland AFC’s official partner, Hays Travel, showed their support by gifting their sleeve sponsorship for the game.

The one-off shirts will be signed and auctioned after the match to raise vital funds for Heart on your Sleeve.

There are plenty of ways to get involved ahead of Foundation of Light Day, including entering our Crowdfunder prize draws for a chance to win some unique SAFC experiences and memorabilia.

Schools and sports clubs can take advantage of the club’s cashback ticket scheme.

Keep your eyes peeled for more ways to show your support.

Beacon hosts national schools’ football tournament

Foundation of Light proudly hosted the Regional Finals of the Premier League Primary Stars U11 National Girls tournament on the barn at the Beacon of Light.

Fulwell Junior School donned the Sunderland AFC colours, playing against teams representing Carlisle United, Hartlepool United, Middlesbrough FC, and Newcastle United.

Sunderland AFC Women stars Natasha Fenton and Claudia Moan came along to cheer on the teams and present the awards.

Whinney Banks Primary School, representing Middlesbrough, won the tournament after a penalty shootout against Hartlepool in the Final.

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LGBTQ+ Matchday

Foundation of Light worked with SAFC to honour LGBTQ+ history month with a dedicated matchday when the Black Cats faced Swansea.

On the weekend of the EFL and Puma’s Rainbow Ball initiative, we welcomed Pride Action North, Report Out, Be Trans, Pride Community Network, Rainbow Hub, and AKT to the Beacon fanzone to raise further awareness.

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Elsewhere in February

We attended Expo Sunderland’s ‘Come & Play’ event, highlighting some of the opportunities for young people with the Foundation of Light.

The winners of our Lance Hardy Writing Competition were announced with a pitchside presentation at the Stadium of Light.

We recognised National Girls and Women in Sports Day by sharing Niamh Boothroyd’s footballing journey, which has taken her from our Player Development Centre to Sunderland AFC Women and international football.

Our Evening and Weekend courses for the new school term opened for booking.