More than 800 young people have taken part in more than 4,000 hours of positive community activities in the first year of our partnership with the Foundation of Light charity.
We’re working with the Foundation of Light, the official charity of Sunderland football club, to support young people and strengthen communities in North East England.
We signed a Memorandum of Understanding in December 2024, and in the first year of the partnership have engaged 817 young people and delivered 4,099 hours of activity, working with six schools and across three community venues.
Young people work towards the Sir Bob Murray Award, named after the Foundation of Light’s Chair of Trustees. Sir Bob is a former Sunderland AFC Chairman, and we recently awarded him an honorary degree in recognition of his contribution to football, education, and philanthropy in our region.
Some of the young people involved in this first year met Sir Bob at the Beamish Football Centre, as part of an event to celebrate achievements so far.
One key achievement in the partnership’s first year has been to establish a new Youth Health Hub in Stanley, County Durham.
The Hub brings together weekly evening sessions, mentoring, creative and physical activities, along with support delivered in local schools.
The aim is to improve educational outcomes, address health challenges and provide trusted support for young people who need it most.
We’ve helped fund the first year of delivery and worked with partners to build strong referral pathways, known locally as a neighbourhood menu.
This ensures young people and families can access the right support at the right time.
Alongside this direct community work, the partnership has also supported research-led activity that gives voice to underrepresented groups.
Researchers in our Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences have worked with the Foundation of Light on an exhibition exploring the untold stories of women football fans in North East England.
Hosted at the Beacon of Light, in Sunderland, the exhibition draws on academic research and lived experience to celebrate identity, belonging and community through sport.
Together, Durham University and the Foundation of Light are transforming lives in North East England. The first year of our partnership has been tremendously successful, and we look forward to more to come in the years ahead.
As the partnership moves into its next phase, we will continue exploring new projects with local councils, schools and housing providers.
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