SAFC Women stars inspire young players ahead of Wear-Tyne Derby

Sunderland AFC Women players Rhiannon Roberts and Izzy Atkinson have been getting involved with the Foundation of Light’s Girls Academy, as preparations continue for Sunday's huge Wear-Tyne Derby.

The duo recently visited the one of the Foundation’s girls football sessions at Downhill Football Hub to offer some help to the young players.

As well as getting involved on the pitch with some coaching and offering advice during the session, Rhiannon and Izzy took time to chat with the girls, sharing insights from their own careers and offering words of encouragement to the next generation of players.

With the Wear-Tyne Derby fast approaching, Rhiannon and Izzy also helped build excitement for Sunday's fixture by handing out tickets to the girls.

The visit follows a recent trip to the Beacon of Light, where the full Sunderland AFC Women squad met players from the Foundation’s Girls Academy.

During their time at the Beacon, the players also enjoyed a tour of the facilities, meeting young footballers and getting involved in their sessions.

Seven of the squad members visiting the Beacon of Light graduated from the Foundation’s Female Player Pathway, offering even more inspiration for the young players in attendance.

Following the Beacon of Light visit, Lasses star Brianna Westrup attended a Girls Academy training session at the Academy of Light as assistant coach.

Sunderland AFC Women welcome Newcastle United to the Stadium of Light for a huge derby encounter, with the two sides set to go head-to-head in a top-of-the-table clash.

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