Foundation of Light celebrates 25 years of changing lives on Wearside

Some of the most important work linked to Sunderland AFC happens far away from the pitch. Foundation of Light, the club's official charity, is celebrating 25 years of using the power of football to change lives across Sunderland, South Tyneside and County Durham, and this month the club is throwing it a party.

The Foundation was established in 2001 by former Sunderland chairman Sir Bob Murray. Today it works with more than 23,000 people every year, with people aged from 18 months to 80, through more than 40 programmes covering education and employability, physical activity and football, health and wellbeing, and mentoring and guidance. Its team includes teachers, health workers, coaches, family learning officers and youth workers.

Although closely linked to the club, the Foundation is financially independent and raises more than £4 million each year through donations, grants, contracts and trading. Its programmes range from evening and weekend football for children to free adult learning courses and Ha'way and Weigh health sessions in South Tyneside, and girls' football is one of its key priorities.

To mark the milestone, Sunderland AFC has dedicated its annual Founders' Week, from 19 to 25 October, to the charity. Current and former players are joining Foundation activities during the week, and the first team will warm up in a special commemorative shirt made by technical partner hummel ahead of the Premier League match against Leeds United on Sunday 25 October. Young people from Foundation programmes have even designed covers for the matchday programme.

Matchday itself begins across the road from the Stadium of Light with a Fan Zone at the Beacon of Light, sponsored by Stagecoach. Former captain and Foundation ambassador Kevin Ball helped launch the partnership.

"For 25 years we have used the power of Sunderland AFC to inspire people, create opportunities and change lives," said chief executive Lesley Spuhler. "This week gives us the chance to celebrate everyone who has been part of that journey, while raising vital funds to make sure we can be there for people for many years to come."

Recent weeks have shown that spirit in action, with players Luke O'Nien and Dan Ballard visiting the Beacon of Light for a session on the importance of talking openly about mental health.

Programmes, fundraising events and ways to donate are listed on the Foundation of Light website.