Members of Sunderland AFC’s first team visited a local school this week in support of Children in Need.
Vito Mannone and Steven Pienaar were joined by coaching staff from the club’s official charity, Foundation of Light, to meet pupils at Barbara Priestman Academy, Sunderland, to see how the Foundation’s ‘Making Moves’ programme is helping the children at the school.
Foundation of Light has received funding from Children in Need since 2006 and the organisation has been one of the Foundation’s ‘Making Moves’ team longest supporters.
Making Moves provides opportunities for thousands of youngsters and children who have a wide range of disabilities such as Down’s Syndrome, Autism, Asperger’s, hearing impairment, visual impairment and wheelchair users to take part in a variety of sports and activities.
Goalkeeper Vito Mannone praised the programme and the work of Children in Need and Foundation of Light.
He said: “It’s very important for the club to come to places like this and it was nice to surprise the kids and play a few games with them.
“It brought back memories of when I was at school playing and I could see the passion of the kids and teachers who do a great job teaching them important life skills.
“It is good to give something back to the fans and community.”
Children in Need currently supports 2,400 projects across the UK, one of those being Sunderland AFC’s registered charity, Foundation of Light.
Working together, the two charities have increased access to sport and physical activity to disadvantaged children and young people, increased awareness of healthy lifestyle choices and reduced social isolation through physical activity.
To find out more about Children in Need and to donate to the charity please visitwww.bbcchildreninneed.co.uk.
For more information about Foundation of Light visit www.foundationoflight.co.uk.
