Penshaw Monument, the Northern Spire bridge and Seaburn Lighthouse were among sites illuminated in SAFC’s red and white alongside the charity’s home, the Beacon of Light.
Sophie, Countess of Wessex GCVO, kicked off a year of celebrations in a video call with SAFC board member and Sky Sports presenter Dave Jones; Chair of Trustees, Sir Bob Murray CBE; Chief Executive Lesley Spuhler OBE DL and Sunderland AFC Ladies Captain Keira Ramshaw.
The Foundation has grown from a small number of staff in 2001 to become one of the biggest football charities in the country, now employing more than 100 staff, with over 170 volunteers.