Youngsters invited to Play on the Pitch at Stadium of Light

Sunderland AFC Foundation, in association with Sunderland City Council, is offering youngsters the opportunity to play on the pitch at the Stadium of Light in the unique World Cup 5's' tournament in June.

World Cup 5's is a 5-a-side tournament which follows the same format as the FIFA World Cup™ with one small difference - the 16 teams who do not qualify for the knock out rounds will be entered in the World Cup Shield knock out tournament ensuring that all teams enjoy a minimum of 5 games.

The tournaments are split into three age groups running from under 9's to under 14's and will be held 1st - 3rd June.

The tournament costs £60 to enter per team and each team is allowed a squad of 8 players.

Winners of each of the tournaments will win an exclusive coaching course at the SAFC Academy as well as tickets to an SAFC match. There will also be prizes on the day for best player' and top goal scorer' as well as a number of other competitions.

Lesley Spuhler, SAFC Foundation CEO:

"We're delighted to be able to offer youngsters the opportunity to play on the same pitch as their SAFC heroes and we're very grateful for the support of Sunderland City Council in helping us organise this unique event.  This is just one of the exciting events that we've organised in the run up to the FIFA World Cup™ and we hope that the excitement of the tournament will help build enthusiasm in people across the region for sport and learning."

Chris Alexander, Sunderland World Cup Candidate Host City Director, adds:

"The World Cup has the power to capture the imagination of communities around the globe and we're happy to say that our partnership with SAFC Foundation will allow us to deliver a wide variety of activities during this year's tournament including World Cup 5's event at the Stadium of Light. Sunderland has Candidate Host City status, so if England's bid to bring the FIFA World Cup™ to this country is successful, some of these youngsters may go on to play in the tournament here in 2018!"

To find out more about the World Cup 5's tournament or book a place for your child's team contact Phil King on 0191 551 5164 or visit www.safcfoundation.com

SAFC Foundation programmes have been shown to increase access to learning and sport, increase well-being, build confidence, self-esteem and self-worth and have reduced anti-social behaviour in some areas by up to 49% and criminal damage in some areas by 70%.  SAFC Foundation works to improve local lives and communities through football.  Structurally and financially independent from Sunderland AFC, SAFC Foundation relies on fundraising for 95% of project costs each year.

World Cup Fives Leaflet ( 333KB)

October

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Thursday 26 October 11-3 Jubilee Centre, Farringdon