Sunderland AFC open training session draws 2,500 young fans
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The youngsters were taking part in a Foundation of Light football course and holiday club. Among the delighted budding footballers was 13 year-old Jackson Nockels and his sister Isobelle, nine, both season ticket holders.
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Hide AdProud mam Jemma shared some photographs with the Echo, featuring old Jackson, Isobelle, captain Dan Neill, full-back Dennis Cirkin, winger Romain Mundle and coach Mike Dodds.
The day was a big success with the whole first team squad attending, alongside club legend Jimmy Montgomery and of course, mascots Samson the Cat and his girlfriend Delilah.
At just 17 it isn't too long since midfielder Chris Rigg was himself a schoolboy, excitedly attending a similar session himself.
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Hide AdHe told the BBC: "It was excellent to see the fans in the numbers they brought, just for a training session. Unbelievable. I was a little kid shouting out all the players' names once, so I can see the comparison."
Sunderland are currently five points clear at the top of the Championship.
Foundation of Light holiday courses will return for the Christmas break. In the meantime, the latest round of evening and weekend courses, the term-time activity schedule, is now available to book online.
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