SAFC defender nets community honour

Sunderland AFC defender Bailey Wright has been named this season’s Community Champion Award by the Professional Footballers Association.

The Black Cats defender was granted the award as recognition for his ongoing support with the club’s official charity, the Foundation of Light.

Wright has gone above and beyond to support the work of the Foundation over the last 12 months, taking part in a number of virtual sessions, surprising supporters who were isolating with Zoom calls and donating signed shirts and boots to help with fundraising.

The Professional Footballers Association (PFA) Community Champion Award aims to raise awareness of the work that PFA members do to help their club’s community activities.

Upon hearing that he had won the award, Bailey said: “It’s great to be recognised, but credit where it’s due to the Foundation for the work they’ve continued to do throughout this tough time.

“I’m always happy to play my part where I can and help make an impact; it’s important we all do, not just as footballers but as people too.

“The Foundation has some great people and a great facility in the Beacon of Light for everyone to use and benefit from; for me it’s just as important that I can learn from those people too and together we can all have a positive impact on the community."

It follows the club honouring the Foundation with a dedicated matchday on Saturday, April 24 which saw the Black Cats draw 3-3 with Accrington Stanley.