SAFC stars join bumper Family Fun Day

Sunderland AFC and Sunderland Women stars were given a warm Wearside welcome by hundreds of families at a special Fun Day event at the Beacon of Light.

Summer signings Bradley Dack, Nectar Triantis joined Amy Goddard, Ellen Jones, Natasha Fenton and Jenna Dear as they met around 5,000 supporters during the Foundation of Light’s Family Fun Day.

The players were shown around the community hub and had the opportunity to join in various activities, including esports, biscuit decorating, UV dancing, badminton, table tennis – and of course football.

Bradley Dack and Nectar Triantis even rekindled the friendly England-Aussie rivalry for a spot of cricket on the outdoor pitches.

The players met youngsters, posed for selfies and signed autographs, with Nectar Triantis admitting he had really enjoyed the day: “The energy the kids have is amazing and the Beacon of Light is a fabulous venue, with so much to offer.”

After also experiencing the Beacon of Light for the first time, Bradley Dack added: “It’s been great; I’ve decorated biscuits and the kids didn’t hold back with the penalties, but I’ve been made to feel really welcome.”

“It’s great for the people of Sunderland to have access to such a facility, I wish there were such things when I was growing up. There’s something for everyone here.”

The Family Fun Day was a free event to showcase the Beacon of Light, home of Sunderland AFC’s official charity, the Foundation of Light.

The Beacon is open seven days a week; offering five-a-side football, 4G rooftop pitch, an indoor arena that can be booked for table tennis, basketball, badminton, netball and mult-use games areas.

All money from Beacon of Light bookings goes straight to the Foundation of Light, to support families across the North East, by tackling some of the region's biggest challenges including, obesity, unemployment, anti-social behaviour and poor mental health.