A packed June at Foundation of Light

As people across Sunderland and the rest of the country prepared for Euro 2024, there was plenty to cheer about on and off the pitch at the Foundation of Light in June.

National silverware

It was a national success for the Sunderland Foundation of Light Men’s Futsal on Sunday 2nd June when they were awarded the National Plaque for Level 3.

Live in front of TNT Sports cameras, the Wearside side defeated Portsmouth and Southsea in the final in Derby, after beating a strong South London side in the semi-final.

For the full story, including quotes from player-coach Michael Haley: Click here

Matches Breakfast

The fixtures for the 2024/25 Sunderland AFC Championship were revealed at the Foundation of Light’s Fixtures Breakfast, an annual event where the club’s official charity and its partners can network through SAFC, held at the Beacon of Light.

Around 200 guests were present to hear the panel, including Sunderland AFC Chief Business Officer David Bruce, sporting director Kristjaan Speakman and Foundation of Light Managing Director Jamie Wright.

Full story: click here

Six years of YOLO

Our early intervention programme, aimed at young people at risk of becoming involved in serious violence, has lasted six years.

YOLO supports 10-16 year olds who are or have been in possession of a knife or weapon, or there are indications that they may be involved in serious violence in the future.

In the run-up to the programme’s sixth anniversary, Thomas Fisher and Liam Oliver from our YOLO team visited the Knife Angel sculpture – a structure formed from 100,000 knives with the aim of sending a powerful message and encouraging open dialogue about the impact of knife crime – while it was on display in Sunderland’s Keel Square.

We also shared one of our recent YOLO success stories about how Kody, 14, got re-engaged in his education and future through the program. To read his story: Click here

National Volunteer Week

Volunteers play an important role at the Light Foundation, from football coaching to mental health support.

To celebrate our volunteers during National Volunteer Week in the first week of June, we hosted a special party during our Wear Together session in Boldon.

We also shared some stories from our volunteers, to highlight their selfless work and inspire others.

Summary of Volunteers Week: Click here

Summer program launched

At the beginning of June, we launched our 2024 summer activity programme during this year’s school holidays.

The programme offers new and exciting activities, with something to offer people of all ages and abilities with a wide range of interests, from football to baking and multi-sport to engineering.

Learn more: click here

For bookings: click here

Activities for Pride Month

Foundation of Light supported Pride Month with themes incorporated into the sessions and by assisting with Sunderland Pride Events.

We were involved in the community and delivered activities as an official partner of the Pride in Sunderland Family Picnic.