Stagecoach gets behind Foundation of Light's milestone matchday

Stagecoach is getting behind Foundation of Light's 25th anniversary celebrations as the official sponsor of the matchday Fan Zone at the Beacon of Light.

The bus operator will support the special Fan Zone ahead of Sunderland AFC's Premier League fixture against Leeds United on Sunday 25 October, as the Club and its official charity come together to celebrate 25 years of changing lives across the North East.

Former Sunderland AFC captain and Foundation of Light ambassador Kevin Ball met with Engineering Director Dan Leith at the Beacon of Light to mark the sponsorship and celebrate the company's support for the milestone occasion.

The anniversary Fan Zone will form part of a week of celebrations recognising the Foundation's impact over the past quarter of a century, bringing supporters, families and the wider community together ahead of the dedicated Foundation of Light matchday.

Since being established in 2001, Foundation of Light has used the power of football to inspire, educate and support people across Sunderland, South Tyneside and County Durham, helping thousands of children, young people and adults build brighter futures.

The charity's work focuses on four key priorities: girls' football, supporting young people into education, employment and training, increasing access to physical activity, and providing mentoring and guidance to those who need it most.

Lesley Spuhler, Chief Executive of Foundation of Light, said: "Reaching our 25th anniversary is an incredibly proud moment for everyone connected with Foundation of Light, and it's fantastic to have Stagecoach supporting us as we mark this special milestone.

"Our matchday Fan Zone is all about bringing people together, and that's something that sits at the heart of what we do. For 25 years, we've been creating opportunities, building confidence and helping people across our communities to achieve their potential.

"Support from businesses like Stagecoach makes a real difference to our ability to continue that work, and we're delighted to have them alongside us for what promises to be a fantastic day of celebration."

Dan Leith, Engineering Director for Stagecoach North East, said: “We’re proud to support the Foundation of Light as it celebrates 25 years of making a positive difference across the city and the surrounding areas.

“Like us, the Foundation is at the heart of everyday life in Sunderland, helping people connect, creating opportunities and making a lasting impact on communities.

“Our head office on North Bridge Street is just a Robin Roefs’ clearance away from the stadium and we believe it is important the city’s bus operator supports the city’s football club and its Foundation.

“Sponsoring the Fan Zone is a great way for us to show our support, bring supporters and families together and celebrate the incredible work of a charity that means so much to the North East.”

The Foundation of Light Fan Zone takes place at the Beacon of Light, next to the Stadium of Light, ahead of Sunderland AFC's fixture against Leeds United on Sunday 25 October.

The dedicated matchday will also see the Club celebrate the Foundation's 25-year legacy and shine a spotlight on the charity's life-changing work across the region.