Sunderland AFC once again played its part in football's biggest community engagement initiative, with a 'One Game, One Community' day of action.
The special day forms part of a nationwide campaign celebrating diversity and encouraging inclusion at all levels of football.
Defender Wes Brown is Sunderland's 'One Game, One Community' ambassador for the season and he will join Sunderland's first team in sporting 'One Game One Community' t-shirts for their pre-match warm-up as they take on Fulham at the Stadium of Light.
A giant 'One Game, One Community' flag, carried by Sunderland's ball boys, led both teams out and Sunderland's staff wore 'One Game, One Community' badges for the game.
Speaking about the campaign Wes said: "The 'One Game, One Community' message is has really helped to encourage a more positive environment in football. I'm proud to be an ambassador and all of the Sunderland players give their wholehearted backing to the initiative."
SAFC chief executive Margaret Byrne added: "The One Game One Community message has been instrumental in helping to promote football in a more positive light and here at Sunderland we continue to support inclusion and embrace diversity. We remain committed to ensuring that the Stadium of Light is a friendly and welcoming environment, where football can be enjoyed by everyone."
Lord Herman Ouseley, Chair of Kick It Out: "Some of the worst excesses of abuse, where players, fans, even managers and coaches, were abused, harassed and attacked based on colour, race and religion, are now thankfully a thing of the past. But, pockets of unacceptable behaviour still exist. It's the duty of everyone within the game to flag this up where and when it happens.
"It's under the banner One Game, One Community which we tackle bigotry, intolerance and anti-social behaviour and its presence in our game. If something or someone is damaging your experience of football, share it with the appropriate governing body, club or contact Kick It Out where details will be taken, and acted upon."
The One Game, One Community weeks of action is backed by football's governing bodies and is the largest sporting initiative of its kind worldwide.
To find out how to get involved, or to learn about activities and events taking place near you, visit www.kickitout.org
