SAFC supporters and players get behind Foundation of Light Day

Sunderland AFC’s Championship fixture against Queens Park Rangers was dedicated to the Foundation of Light and our Heart on your Sleeve campaign.

Foundation of Light Day is an annual dedicated matchday in support of the club’s official charity, and the biggest fundraising event of our calendar.

The day was well supported throughout by SAFC players and fans alike. 

Financially independent of the football club, the Foundation needs to raise over £4million each year through donations, grants, contracts and trading activities.

This helps us continue to work with up to 20,000 young people and families every year, improving the educational attainment, health, wellbeing, and happiness of people within our region, no matter who they are.

Players wear Heart on their Sleeve

The Black Cats stars wore their Heart on their Sleeve ahead of and during the match. They took to the pitch in special warm up shirts and wore commemorative shirts with the logo on their sleeve for the Championship clash.

You can own a unique piece of SAFC history with the online auction for the match worn shirts now live: Click Here >

Supporters can match their Black Cats heroes by buying a shirt sleeve patch, available at the Beacon of Light reception or to click and collect online. 

Activity-packed Beacon Fanzone

Sunderland AFC supporters got behind the Foundation throughout the day. Attendees of the Beacon of Light Fanzone had the chance to take part in some fun activities and they were treated to a visit from out of action SAFC players Dennis Cirkin and Elliot Embleton.

The Black Cats duo took time for photos with fans and even got stuck into a game of badminton. See the full gallery from the Fanzone: Click Here

Foundation supported throughout SoL

Foundation of Light’s work was highlighted throughout the matchday programme, on the screens at the stadium, and on the matchday stream - SAFC Live.

At half-time, groups of participants took to the hallowed Stadium of Light turf for a showcase of some Foundation programmes.

Promising Little Dribblers, Girls Academy under-10s, and young people taking part in Disability Multi-sports took to the field and they kept the crowd entertained with some great skills on display.

Young supporters Andrew Henderson, Lewis Haywood, and Jack Clark took penalties against Samson the Cat after winning the chance to take to the turf in our prize draws.

Participants from Neurological Football, Family Learning, Street Soccer and Premier League Kicks delivered a special message to the crowd to thank fans for their ongoing support of the Foundation.

Watch Foundation of Light Day Highlights:

You can still show your support

You can also donate to support the Foundation's life-changing work by texting FOLFIVE to 70085 to donate £5 or via JustGiving at justgiving.com/campaign/heartonyoursleeve  

How your money can help: 

• £5 gives a disabled youngster access to a sport session  
• £8 helps keep an older person physically and socially active  
• £40 supports a young person with their physical and emotional health 
• £100 provides mental health resources for up to five people