Beacon of Light was delighted to welcome almost 2,000 through its doors for the Utilita Football Festival.
Foundation of Light and Utilita came together to host the free event offering families across Sunderland the chance to try out different sports and activities.
Offering a fantastic showcase of the Beacon of Light’s facilities, while giving people the chance to use them for free, the event proved a hit with all tickets sold out.
Recently appointed Sunderland AFC coaches, Luciano Vulcano and Isidre Ramon Madir, called by the Beacon of Light to engage with supporters.
The pair were impressed with what the Beacon has to offer, Ramon Madir saying: “It was just amazing to see so many fans, the facilities they have here for the kids. It was a special day.”
Foundation of Light managing director Jamie Wright said: “We are incredibly grateful to everyone for coming along and taking part.
“We hope families got the chance to see the wide range of activities that they can take part in at the Beacon of Light all year round.”
Since launching in 2018, the official matchday Fan Zone has become a key pre-match stop off, especially for Black Cats families with a range of activities available for both children and parents.
Ahead of the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup opener at the Stadium of Light, the Beacon of Light will have to close on the day of the game, due to transport restrictions.
As part of the Beacon’s commitment to making sport accessible and our goal to keep young people active over the summer, we are offering junior rates until Sunday 7 September.