CLUB HISTORY & BACKGROUND

The first Football Aid event at the Stadium of Light took place in May 2001 with former Black Cats Richie Pitt and Bobby Kerr acting as Mangers to the two enthusiastic sides. Richard Ord also featured in defence for the Away team and when asked how it felt to be playing on the famous pitch alongside the legend, one participant was particularly philosophical: "I'll keep him right, don't worry. I'll also tell him that he'll have to carry the other ten players..."  The Club have continued their successful relationship with Football Aid and the games since have featured a raft of famous names, including Niall Quinn, Gary Bennett, Kevin Ball, Marco Gabbiadini, Mickey Horswill, Craig Russell, Len Ashurst and John Kay.

SEASON 2009 UPDATE

Unfortunately, it is with regret that the “Live the Dream” 2009 event at the Stadium of Light has been cancelled. This is due to the stadium hosting two high profile concerts - Oasis on Wednesday 10th June and Take That on Friday 5th and Saturday 6th June. Due to the logistics of these events, the staging will start on Monday 25th May so the pitch will be out of use from that date until 12th June, after which it will need to be cultivated and therefore unplayable. The last date of the season is Sunday 24th May, so this means there is no access to the pitch during closed season at all.

Obviously both Sunderland AFC Foundation and Football Aid are extremely disappointed, however it is a decision outwith our control. We hope to be able to deliver this event during the 2009/10 season and look forward to what is always a magical event at the Stadium of Light.

To be the first to hear about news of any future Sunderland events, please remember to Register on the website (if you’ve not done so already) and keep an eye on this page for updates as we get them. If you would like to e-mail us directly to ask a question or express your interest in a future Sunderland event please do so by using our Contact Us form.