Sunderland AFC Women stars have been spending time with young players on our Women and Girls’ Player Pathway, attending training sessions at Downhill Football Hub.
The Lasses have started their season unbeaten and sit second in the FA Women’s Championship table, only behind first-placed Southampton on goal difference.
Away from inspiring with their performances on matchdays, the Black Cats stars took time with youngsters on Foundation of Light programmes, joining in with their training session, taking part in a Q&A, and stopping for photos.
Amy Goddard and Mollie Rouse attended a training session for the Emerging Talent Centre (ETC) on Monday 16 October. The ETC is an FA-funded programme to unearth the best talent in England, allowing young players to access high level coaching while still playing for their grassroots team.
Amy Goddard and Mollie Rouse attending Monday night's ETC at Downhill Hub
The following day, Brianna Westrup, Katie Kitching, and Emily Scarr joined our Player Development Club – an invite only programme for ages 7-16 - and Foundation Community Club for a kickabout.
On seeing the opportunities for young players at the Foundation of Light, defender Westrup said: “It’s fantastic. At their age right now, I feel it’s just important that they’re having fun with it.
“I think at times when I was younger, it was maybe too heavily based on winning as opposed to becoming a better footballer.
“With the set up down here, it’s just been fantastic to see the girls enjoying it and having fun. At the end of the day, you don’t want them getting burnt out by having too much pressure too young.”
“It’s probably a better start than a lot of people thought we would have this year,” Westrup added on the SAFC Women’s season so far.
“But I think we know within our camp that we’re a very good team and we’re thankful that our performances have shown that.
“We’re happy to be where we’re sitting in the table at the minute, but we still have a lot to go.
“As a squad and I feel like we can push on more. It’s been an exciting season so far. Everyone loves coming to watch a winning team, don’t they?”
Legendary lyricist Sir Tim Rice will take centre stage at the Sunderland Empire for a special one-night-only performance, ‘My Life in Musicals’, with a donation from proceeds supporting the Foundation of Light’s Wear One campaign.
Foundation of Light is helping youngsters spring into action throughout the upcoming Easter holidays as our ever-popular holiday courses return.
Foundation of Light felt the support of the Sunderland AFC fans and community throughout 2025’s dedicated matchday.