Special edition Foundation of Light shirts to be worn by SAFC players for Europa game
The game comes on the eve of the Foundation's 25th birthday
Sunderland AFC will proudly display the Foundation of Light logo on the back of players' shirts when the Black Cats face Dinamo Zagreb at the Stadium of Light tonight.
It will be the Black Cats second Europa League home fixture following their 1-0 victory over AZ Alkmaar as the club returns to European football for the first time in 53 years.
The game comes on the eve of the Foundation's 25th birthday, marking a quarter of a century of changing lives across Sunderland and the North East.
With the Black Cats taking to the European stage, the tribute will shine a spotlight on the club's official charity and the life-changing work it delivers in communities.
Since its establishment on 6 November 2001, the Foundation of Light has harnessed the power of football to inspire, educate and support people of all ages and backgrounds.
From helping young people develop skills and confidence to improving physical and mental wellbeing, creating opportunities and tackling social isolation, the Foundation continues to make a lasting difference to thousands of lives each year.
Lesley Spuhler, Chief Executive of Foundation of Light, said: “It's a really special gesture from Sunderland AFC and one that means a great deal to everyone connected with the Foundation.
“To see our logo proudly displayed on the back of the players' shirts on a European night, in front of thousands of supporters, is a fantastic way to celebrate the work we do across our communities.
“Coming on the eve of our 25th birthday makes it even more meaningful. For a quarter of a century, we've used the power of football to change lives, and we're incredibly grateful to the club for helping us shine a spotlight on that work and the people who make it possible.”
“The shirt tribute demonstrates the shared commitment to making a positive difference beyond the pitch and the occasion provides a fitting reminder that football's impact extends far beyond 90 minutes.”
The game will also be attended by former SAFC chairman and founder of the Foundation, Sir Bob Murray, who today launched an updated version of his autobiography, I’d do it all Again, to raise vital funds for the Foundation.