Sunderland AFC stars Jay Matete and Elliot Embleton joined pupils from across Sunderland at the Beacon of Light for this year’s Show Racism The Red Card event.
Almost 100 young people from Southwick Community and East Herrington Primary Schools attended and took part in workshops that looked at racism, stereotyping and hate crime.
The players joined in the activities before taking part in a question and answer session, that threw up some interesting questions as a result of the topics discussed throughout the day.
Speaking about the event, Matete said: "The popularity and reach of football gives us a great platform to promote inclusion and help break down barriers, not just in sport but across society.
“The work of Show Racism the Red Card do is so important, because they are educating current and future generations and we are keen to play our part in promoting their work and positive messages.”
Speaking about the event and the continuing partnership, Ged Grebby, Chief Executive of Show Racism the Red Card, said “Sunderland AFC has been a proactive supporter of Show Racism the Red Card throughout its history, which now spans more than two decades.
“It’s great to know that the club are still right behind the message we are trying to present to as many young people as possible – that there is no place for racism in society or sport.”
A group of students from the Foundation of Light’s scholarship and study programmes were given a unique opportunity to visit Japan thanks to funding from the Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation.
Foundation of Light PFA Player Ambassador, Aji Alese, and teammate Jenson Seelt marked EFL Week of Action with a visit to the Beacon of Light.
Foundation of Light, Sunderland AFC’s official charity, is thrilled to announce defender Aji Alese as official PFA Player Ambassador.