Young achievers score at Sunderland's Stadium of Light

Nov 12 2008 by Kim Carmichael, The Journal

HIGH-FLYING youngsters have been rewarded in a presentation by some of Wearside’s top footballing names.

As part of the Sunderland AFC Foundation’s annual Top Scorer awards, 11 children were recognised for their achievements after taking part in one of the foundation’s educational programmes.

Sunderland stars Kieran Richardson, Teemu Tainio, Darren Ward, Martyn Waghorn and Robbie Weir, as well as boss Roy Keane, gave out the accolades at the Stadium of Light yesterday.

SAFC Foundation chief executive Lesley Spuhler said: “This is the fourth year we have been able to reward youngsters who have each achieved something exceptional in their own way.

“It is a great opportunity to highlight individual stories and reward youngsters for their achievements and big thanks go to the valued SAFC Foundation supporters that have made this celebration of learning possible.”

The projects which earned the awards ranged from healthy living initiatives, promoted on the Black Cats’ double-decker bus, to family learning in local communities. The event is part of the Premier League’s Creating Chances initiative.