Plenty of positives from North East Parkies United's first tournament
There were plenty of positive signs for North East Parkies United in their first official tournament since founding in September 2024.
Something may look a little different when the Sunderland AFC side take to the pitch for their warm-up on Saturday.
The Black Cats’ home fixture against Millwall will be dedicated to Foundation of Light and their Wear One campaign.
To mark the occasion, The Lads will warm up in one-off shirts highlighting the Wear One campaign.
One in every three players will wear a red warm-up shirt, driving home the stark statistic that a third of children in Sunderland are living in poverty, which is around seven in a matchday squad of 20.
Supporters will be given a chance to own the unique pieces of SAFC history as they will be auctioned after the match to raise funds towards the campaign.
These vital funds will help Foundation of Light deliver important services to those most in need and improve lives across Sunderland.
In the last year alone, the Foundation has upskilled over 2,000 learners and helped 88 people get a job.
Thanks to Seriös Group donating their shirt space, the Wear One logo will also feature on the sleeves of the match shirts this Saturday, which will also be auctioned to raise funds for SAFC’s official charity.
Foundation of Light chief executive, Lesley Spuhler, welcomes the support, “We are incredibly grateful to Seriös Group for their generosity and commitment to our cause. By gifting their sleeve sponsorship to support the ‘Wear One’ campaign, they are making a tangible difference to the lives of those in need across the North East.
“This kind of support helps shine a spotlight on the challenges many in our community face. Together, we can create opportunities, provide essential support, and help change lives for the better."
There were plenty of positive signs for North East Parkies United in their first official tournament since founding in September 2024.
Foundation of Light’s Game of II Halves conference attracted over 200 people to join a discussion on the men’s mental health epidemic.
Foundation of Light are set to upskill grassroots coaches across Sunderland with our FREE Coaches Clinics.