Sunderland AFC’s players and staff have paid tribute to the club’s supporters for their inspirational #SunderlandTogether Wembley ticketing initiative.
In just over one week, SAFC fans have collectively raised over £81,000 and smashed past their latest target of £73,000.
The idea was started by lifelong Sunderland fan Peter Richardson, with the Red and White Army, the Senior Supporters Association, Branch Liaison Council and Foundation of Light joining forces with the club to bring it to life.
Money raised will be donated to the Foundation of Light, Salvation Army, Sunderland Foodbank and Washington Mind, providing vital support to thousands of people across the North East.
Head Coach Lee Johnson said: “Although I am yet to experience the Stadium of Light in full flow, this once again underlines why Sunderland supporters are renowned for their passion and spirit. This is a fantastic initiative and it’s great to see our players, staff and supporters coming together to support the local community at time when it needs it most. Even though we are currently apart, this campaign shows the unbreakable togetherness within the club.”
Max Power added: “The trip to Wembley Stadium will not be the same without our supporters. We miss them at each and every game, home and away, and we can’t wait to welcome them back to the Stadium of Light. We know that this has been an incredibly challenging year for our local community, but throughout it, our fans have not only continued to support the club, but each other. This is an amazing initiative and will help so many people within the North East.”
The print and distribution of the Papa John’s Trophy Final commemorative ticket has already started. The momentos have been specially designed by PBL Print in Durham to replicate the tickets that fans would have received if they were travelling to Wembley on 14 March 2021.
Complete with an image of the trophy, hologram and individual seat numbers, the tickets also feature a special QR code which when scanned will take fans to the Foundation of Light YouTube channel to watch a special thank you message from those who are benefitting.
Donations can still be made via www.crowdfunder.co.uk/Sunderland-Together, with commemorative tickets available by selecting one of the available reward options.
Deadline for orders to be delivered ahead of the final is 5pm on Monday 8 March. Orders received after this date will be distributed on Monday 22 March.
