The Sunderland Grassroots cashback scheme returns for the 2022-23 season, and the rewards are paramount as last year’s winners, Westlea Primary School in Seaham, welcomed Elliot Embleton and Bailey Wright for their ‘red and white day’.
Staff and pupils from Reception to Year 6 cheered the two first-team players into their red and white assembly on Monday, and grilled the duo with questions about Wembley, their careers and much more.
Children then grabbed the opportunity to gather autographs and take photos with the lads, before posing with the Sky Bet League One Play-Off trophy.
Westlea headteacher Mrs. Debbie Hughes told SAFC: “The children have been absolutely thrilled that two Sunderland footballers have given the time to come to their school.
“Some of those who weren’t even Sunderland fans beforehand are now 50/50, they’re seeing the appeal of the club – especially breaking down the barriers with the players and seeing them for the lovely people they are.
“We put a lot of effort into the cashback scheme and it’s great to see how it benefits the school and the children as well as the club.”
This community project connects Sunderland AFC to local schools and football clubs across the region to provide affordable matchday tickets for supporters and cashback from the tickets purchased to the schools and football clubs involved.
Supporters can purchase two tickets for £20 (£10 each) for the dedicated home fixtures via their local school or football club. Following the match, £5 from every pair of tickets purchased will be donated to the school or football club as financial support.
Cashback Fixtures this season are:
Sunderland vs Norwich City – 27 August 2022
Sunderland vs Wigan Athletic – 15 October 2022
Sunderland vs West Bromwich Albion – 10 December 2022
Sunderland vs Bristol City – 18 February 2023
Sunderland vs Birmingham City – 15 April 2023
If your school or football club are interested in joining the Sunderland Grassroots cashback scheme, please email cashback@safc.com for further details on how to join.
A full gallery of images from Elliot and Bailey's visit will be available soon.