Military Veterans at the Beacon of Light

The Beacon hosted a memorable occasion for Military Veteran Football Club (MVFC) as Sunderland MVFC welcomed Millwall MVFC during the Fan Zone of Sunderland’s home game vs Millwall on Saturday 20 April, which was dedicated to Show Racism The Red Card.

Military Veteran Football Club’s aim is to offer a safe and positive environment for Veterans and members of the Armed Forces, where people can just be themselves and in turn promote physical & mental wellbeing and reduce social isolation by recreating the camaraderie and friendship many enjoy whilst serving in the forces.

Foundation of light have a partnership with MVFC that sees them play 5-a-side at the Beacon of light twice a week. Millwall Community Trust (MCT) recently announced a similar partnership to provide their sessions in London, thanks to funding by EFL Building Foundations Fund.

The two clubs joined us at the Beacon during the Fan Zone for the memorable day of activities. The day’s events included:

- A 5-a-side kickabout involving Veterans from MVFC London and MVFC Sunderland
- A tour of the Beacon and pre-match Fan Zone
- A walk around outside the Stadium of Light taking in the game day atmosphere
- Enjoying the match thanks to complimentary tickets supplied kindly by SAFC

Foundation of Light’s David Bygate-Pittiglio said: “As Millwall were the following weeks fixture at the Stadium of Light after announcing our partnership one week earlier it seemed like too good of an opportunity not to invite MCT and the London Veterans up from Millwall to show them where our sessions began. It was an amazing day that was enjoyed by all, MVFC is a great cause and I hope we can have many more days like this in the future.”

One Veteran from Millwall added "I've been to every Millwall game home and away for many years now and nothing has meant more to me than today."

John Scarborough, Millwall Community Trust's Education and Employability Manager said "It was a great experience for Millwall Community Trust to come visit our MVFC partners along with our London session players to play with their MVFC Sunderland peers. It was a brilliant day, particularly  the facilities at the Beacon of Light which are second to none in regard to the provisions it provides. It was fantastic to take in a tour of the Beacon and the match day experience as a whole"