Young footballers in Sunderland have a rare opportunity to play on the Stadium of Light pitch this spring. The Foundation of Light is hosting its Play on the Pitch event on Sunday 31 May 2026, inviting children to experience the home of Sunderland AFC.
The event is open to children aged 6 to 14, with three one-hour sessions available throughout the day. Participants will be able to run out of the tunnel like professional players, play on the pitch, and receive a commemorative certificate along with a pitchside photograph. The sessions will run from 8am to 9am, 9:10am to 10:10am, and 10:20am to 11:20am.
There are 100 spaces available for each of the three time slots, totaling 300 places. Parents and guardians can book these spots for £40 per session. Registration for the event takes place at the Beacon of Light, where children will then be chaperoned to the stadium. Spectators are welcome to watch the activities from the West Stand, and refreshments will be available at the site’s Yard Nine café.
The Stadium of Light, which opened in 1997, was built on the site of the former Monkwearmouth Colliery. Its name was chosen by former chairman Sir Bob Murray to honour the region’s coal mining heritage.
As the official charity of Sunderland AFC, the Foundation of Light supports the community through various programmes. With the support of its patron, the Duchess of Edinburgh, and leadership from CEO Lesley Spuhler OBE, the organisation continues its long-standing work in the area.
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