But how have former winners of the competition fared when it comes to gaining promotion?Not very well, it appears.
Of the last 11 winners of the tournament, only a select few have gone on to achieve promotion in the same season that they won the silverware - with the likes of Portsmouth and Southampton succumbing to this Wembley hoodoo.
The Black Cats will be looking to avoid that this season as they target a spot in the top two and a return to the second tier.
We take a look at where former winners of the competition have finished in their respective leagues immediately after lifting the trophy - and it’s fair to say the results are varied.
Let’s hope that Sunderland are more of a Bristol City than a Coventry City!
1. LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 29: General view inside the stadium during the Women's FA Community Shield Final at Wembley Stadium on August 29, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Andrew Couldridge/Pool via Getty Images)
The Papa John’s Trophy hoodoo that hit Southampton, Portsmouth and Peterborough United - and that Sunderland must avoid Photo: Pool
2. 2019 - Portsmouth
Pompey were the last side to lift the trophy as they beat Sunderland on penalties in 2019. But the Wembley win couldn’t help Kenny Jackett’s side to achieve promotion - as the Black Cats enacted some revenge with a play-off win over the south coast side. Photo: Jordan Mansfield
3. 2018 - Lincoln City
League Two Lincoln lifted the trophy in 2018 and, while they have since gone on to establish themselves at the top of League One, they suffered play-off heartbreak in the weeks after winning at Wembley. Photo: Jordan Mansfield
4. 2017 - Coventry City
Coventry won at Wembley in 2017, but went on to be relegated from League One in the same season. Hopefully Sunderland are a long way from that outcome... Photo: Bryn Lennon