SAFC: Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We believe that everyone has the right to be employed by our football club, attend our Academy, and attend football matches at the Stadium of Light in a safe, welcoming, and friendly environment - and that means all members of our community, regardless of their disability, religion, ethnic origin, age, gender reassignment, sex, or sexual orientation.

 

Within SAFC diversity is something to be celebrated and inclusion for all is central to what we do.

Sunderland AFC’s understanding of the club’s place at the heart of the community is clearly demonstrated by the wide ranging and long-standing work of the Foundation of Light, throughout the Northeast region and beyond. Working in partnership with key organisations such as ‘Show Racism the Red Card’ and ‘Kick It Out’, further demonstrates SAFC’s positive contribution to the creation of a fair and balanced society, with enhanced community cohesion.

 

Our commitment to inclusion is clear. The gates welcoming people to the Stadium of Light say, ‘FOR US ALL’. This is the spirit we cherish at Sunderland Association Football Club - we welcome everyone.

 

Sunderland AFC Board of Directors statement and commitment

 

EDI policy

 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

 

Sunderland AFC is an equal opportunity employer, and we are committed to treating all employees and job applicants equally. Our aim is that all colleagues should be able to work in an environment free from discrimination, harassment, and bullying.

COLLABORATORS

Red and White Army Supporters Trust (RAWA) Group

The Red and White Army Supporters' Trust is an independent, democratic and inclusive supporters group that aims to provide a voice for all supporters. The Supporters’ Trust has co-opted representatives for disabled supporters and senior supporters. For more information about Red and White Army please visit - Red and White Army

Pride of Wearside

Pride of Wearside is an official SAFC supporter group set up to for the local LGBTQ+ community. Newly formed in 2024, the group champions a welcoming environment at the Stadium of Light for fellow supporters to meet up and support the team. The group will be represented at Pride in Sunderland in June 2024 and new members are always welcome. For more information on how to become a member please email – supporters@safc.com   

 

SUNDERLAND AFC EDI LEAD

Bethany Leary, HR Advisor  -  E: EDI@safc.com

 

REPORTING AN INCIDENT

 

SUPPORTERS

 

MATCH DAY REPORTING

 

If you hear or see any racist abuse at the Stadium of Light, then you can report this in several ways.

 

You can contact your nearest steward in confidence at the time of the incident, or should you wish, you can contact the club to report an incident by emailing the club’s EDI Lead and the rest of the team on  EDI@safc.com

 

You can also contact Kick It Out on 0800 169 9414  or by emailing report@kickitout.org, or by visiting www.kickitout.org

 

If you wish to report any other concerns relating to discrimination, inclusion, and equality please contact EDI@safc.com 

 

STAFF AND PLAYERS

 

If you have any concerns regarding discrimination, inequality and or inclusion within the club, please raise this with your line manager/head coach who will then speak to the EDI lead to address this concern. Or alternatively if you do not feel comfortable in raising your concern, please email EDI@safc.com

Fan Equality Monitoring Survey

Please support the club by completing our Fan Equality Monitoring Survey here

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