Sunderland’s first-team served up an Easter treat for some of the club’s youngest players as they joined in a special training session at the Academy of Light today.
The first-team squad, including the likes of Jordan Pickford, Lee Cattermole and Jermain Defoe, joined manager David Moyes and his coaching staff in a practice session with Sunderland’s under 8s.
The first team were also on hand to sign shirts and memorabilia for the youngsters as part of their unique day at the Academy of Light.
Jordan Pickford, an Academy product whom the youngsters will hope to follow, said it was great to see how much it meant for the young players.
“I think it’s really important that the players can help inspire the youngsters here.
“Having role models to aspire to is so important when you’re a young lad coming through and it really helped me in my development.”
Lead Foundation Phase Coach, Ben Carr, added: “It’s been a terrific afternoon for all the kids. For them to see the senior team and get to take them on has been an experience they’ll never forget. The integration between all the youth teams and the first-team squad is one of the key philosophies the club can be really proud of – and certainly one of the reasons I think the academy has developed so many talented young players over the years.”
