Bailey Wright labels Beacon as 'best' facility he's ever seen

Sunderland defender Bailey Wright was full of praise for the Beacon of Light this week after attending a Show Racism the Red Card event.

Foundation of Light’s Community Champion two years running, Wright is a big supporter of the official charity of Sunderland AFC and the work the charity does within the Beacon.

Speaking after the event, the Australia international labelled the Beacon as the ‘best’ facility he’s ever seen. “Every time I come here; I get blown away that this facility is here. You forget how much is actually here sometimes.

“It’s incredible to be associated with the Beacon and have the partnership with the club. It’s great (the facility) it’s the best I’ve seen and the best I’ve been part of and it’s a credit to everyone in the building. It’s great to have the facility but it’s important to have good people here and there certainly is.”

The former Bristol City man has also been encouraging the local community to visit the facility if they are yet to do so. “Having this on your doorstep and not using it is crazy.

“To have facilities like this, to have programmes in place, people like yourselves running these programmes, I’d say come on down, give it a crack because you won’t be disappointed. You’ll certainly come back.

“It’s pretty special that this is here for people in Sunderland to come and utilise and learn. It brings people together. You see smiles on faces every time you walk in the door.”

A space for sports, events, education and wellbeing which is open to everyone of all ages and backgrounds, Wright admits the Beacon is a place where young people can thrive and feel comfortable in their surroundings. “To see these kids come in from different schools, different backgrounds, learning in different environments, you see some kids who have not felt settled or integrated in different environments that feel at home and welcome here.

“It’s got a real sense of inclusion and togetherness around the building. When I say that, it’s a feeling, it’s what you see, it’s what you feel part of when I’ve been to any events here. That’s the biggest benefit of the Foundation and all the work they’re doing is that it brings people together and creates better futures and great environments for them to flourish in.”

Wright also discussed the importance of the relationship between SAFC and the Foundation of Light. “The partnerships are incredibly important but there’s passionate people here that want to have a positive impact on lives and you can certainty feel and see that.

“A lot of people here are massive Sunderland fans and want the club to do well and the club want to see the Foundation and Beacon do well.”