Sunderland Street Soccer Academy made home territory count on Wednesday after being crowned Street Soccer Northern Cup champions at the Beacon of Light.
The Sunderland Street Soccer Academy, is a free 10-week personal development programme ran by the Foundation of Light, providing a combination of football coaching, mindset training and skills and employability workshops.
Before the football got underway, teams were invited to a welcome address at the ultimate community hub, with programme participants sharing their own thoughts and feelings, highlighting what they had gained by successfully completing the programme before revealing their hopes and dreams for the future.
Following the graduation ceremony, Sunderland, Sheffield United and Blackpool pitted their wits against one another in a five-a-side round robin themed tournament.
After wins for both Sunderland and Blackpool against Sheffield United, the top two went head-to-head. Despite going a goal behind, Sunderland demonstrated incredible togetherness to turn the game on its head, ensuring maximum points and securing a place in the Street Soccer Northern Cup final.
Although Blackpool were unable to follow up their victory over Sheffield United with another three points, victory over the Blades proved to be enough as the Tangerines cemented their place in the final.
The clash proved to be a much closer affair than when the two sides met in the group stages, however, it was Sunderland who were triumphant, defeating Blackpool 3-1 to win the trophy.
Speaking after the final, Liam Oliver, Project Coordinator and Coach said: “It was a proud moment hosting the first ever Northern Cup and for us to win it was the icing on the cake.”
Reflecting on the current crop of players and looking ahead to the future, Oliver added: “I am extremely proud of the lads, both on and off the football pitch. The lads’ attitude towards everything has been first class, getting out of their day-to-day routines, trying to find jobs and volunteering.
“I would encourage people to join the programme if they’re looking to develop as a player, but more importantly this programme offers a fantastic opportunity to improve your physical and mental health, improves your employability prospects and develops key skills such as teamwork, goal setting and communication.”
To refer a young person to the Street Soccer Academy, please click here or to find out more about the programme, contact Liam.Oliver@foundationoflight.co.uk
Street Soccer Northern Cup results
Sunderland 6-1 Sheffield United
Blackpool 4-2 Sheffield United
Sunderland 4-1 Blackpool
Final
Sunderland 3-1 Blackpool
Congratulations to Jack Smithson of Sunderland who won the Golden Boot.
The ’We Are Role Models’ campaign shines a light on the Foundation’s ongoing work across Sunderland, South Tyneside and County Durham, supporting boys and young men through sport, education and mentoring.
In our latest piece we catch up with Claire Bovill and Julie McCann about their volunteering experiences.
Azeem Iftikah came to the Foundation of Light to help settle in the UK after arriving as a refugee, but he is now an integral part of the Wear Together sessions at The Venue in Stanley.