Sunderland AFC

Train at the Academy of Light

Coached by SAFC staff

Behind the scenes Stadium of Light tour

Matches against local opposition

SAFC branded kit to train in

Suitable for all ability levels

Elite Standard Facilities

The club’s Academy of Light opened its doors in 2003 and is rightly considered amongst the best football training facilities in Europe. The Academy is home to all the club’s representative teams, from the youngest age groups through to the U18, U23 and senior squads as well as the Sunderland Ladies team.

The Academy is of Category One status, the highest level possible, giving the club’s players have access to magnificent facilities, including a hydrotherapy pool, top-class medical care and an indoor barn featuring a 4G synthetic pitch as well as up to 18 outdoor pitches.

The Academy of Light

The Academy aims to be professional, approachable and friendly and will give young players the best chance to develop on the pitch as well as socially and academically. A responsibility to develop young players in a challenging, safe and supportive environment with committed and experienced members of staff.

Through inspiresport, your players will experience an environment where developing players are encouraged to experiment, make errors and express themselves. A system is in place which allows young players to progress to the first-team squad if they are prepared to work hard, be open-minded and stay committed.

Your Sunderland AFC Tour Includes

Scheduled high quality training sessions with SAFC coaching staff at the Academy of Light
Access to training facilities at the Academy of Light
SAFC branded kit to train in
Behind-the-scenes tour of Stadium of Light including visit to official club shop
Lunch at the Academy of Light*
Pre-arranged matches against similar standard local opposition
Quality 3* and 4* Hotel Accommodation on a full board basis
Supervisory FREE places for all sports tour organiser (1:10 ratio)
Dedicated inspiresport representative for duration of trip

Speak to your Regional Expert Request a Quote

Club Background

About the Club

Sunderland Association Football Club is an English professional football club based in the city of Sunderland, Tyne and Wear. Formed in 1879, Sunderland play in the Championship, the second tier of English football. The club has won six top-flight titles (1892, 1893, 1895, 1902, 1913, and 1936) in the First Division, and has finished runners-up five times. The club has also won the FA Cup twice (1937 and 1973) and been runners-up twice (1913 and 1992), as well as winning the FA Charity Shield in 1936 and being finalists the following year. Sunderland have also been Football League Cup finalists in 1985 and 2014.

Stadium and Club Tour

Stadium of Light Tour

The Stadium of Light’s current capacity of 48,707 makes the club’s home the ninth-biggest football ground in England.

Built on the former site of the Monkwearmouth Colliery by Ballast Wiltshire plc, opened with a showpiece game against Ajax in July 1997. It replaced the club’s former home of 99 years, Roker Park, located less than two miles away.

The stadium stands on the banks of the River Wear, a vision of the future and a landmark for Wearside. The design drew inspiration from Sunderland’s proud industrial heritage in glass-making, shipbuilding and coal-mining. With its bowl-shaped lower deck and a second tier over the West and North Stands, it provides the ultimate in spectator comfort.

Optional Excursions

As your tour is tailored to suit every requirement for your group, we offer a range of optional excursions to add value to your tour and maintain a fully packed schedule throughout. Although not exclusively, here’s a taster of some of the excursions we can provide for you subject to availability…