Black Cats skipper Corry Evans and SAFC Women’s stars Mary McAteer and Liz Ajupi helped youngsters kick off Summer at the Beacon of Light in style.
The Sunderland AFC trio joined youngsters enjoying the first day of the school holidays, as they took part in special sessions hosted by Foundation of Light, including arts, crafts, multi-sports and of course football!
Scores of youngsters will spend the school break at the Beacon of Light this summer with an extensive range of activities on offer – all endorsed by the three Black Cats stars.
“It was a great afternoon,’ Corry Evans explained. “There was plenty for the kids to do and I loved having the chance to get involved with the activities; I had a go on the table tennis with a couple of the kids; a few of them showed me how to make bracelets and then it was out onto the 3G pitches, to take in the action.
“The Foundation go all out for kids during the school holidays; they do a great job and as players we’re really proud of the work they do and the Beacon of Light is an amazing facility,” he added.
Mary McAteer was also pleased with how the afternoon was spent: “I’ve loved the chance to join in; I was just as competitive as the kids when it came to the sports, the badminton and basketball was great!
“They cater for all ages and abilities, but the Future Lionesses Days really stood out to me; giving girls the chance to watch the Women’s World Cup games on the big screen and then have a kickabout on the pitches.” This year’s Summer at the Beacon programme has something for everyone during the school break:
Future Lionesses Day – Girls can come to the Beacon to watch England’s World Cup games on our big screen, before being put through their paces in a training session on our 3G pitches.
Tastes of the World – Join us in our Ministry of Food Kitchen with recipes from around the globe inspired by the teams competing in the Women’s World Cup.
FIFA Tournament and Kickabout – Come and showcase your skills on and off the pitch! Enjoy a Champions League-style tournament on FIFA 23 before taking to our 3G pitches to take on FIFA-style football challenges.
Disability Multi-sports – Enjoy a range of sports including basketball, boxing, hockey, cricket, football and many more.
After the success of last year’s Foundation Community Funday we’re doing it all again this year. On Thursday 17th August (10am-3pm) families can come to the Beacon of Light for the free event and enjoy a whole host of activities, with soft play, football challenges, face-painting and lots more to enjoy.
To see the full Summer at the Beacon schedule or book a place, click here.
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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.