2001
- Birth of the Foundation: Founded by Sir Bob Murray CBE out of SAFC Community programme.
- SAFC Foundation gains charitable status.
2003
- Launched: Family Learning Through Football to bring parents and children together through education.
- Into the community: Kickstart buses launched, heralding beginning of work with teenagers taking the Foundation into the community.
2004
- HRH Countess of Wessex GCVO opens the Centre of Light at the Stadium of Light.
2006
- Former Sunderland AFC player and Chairman Niall Quinn MBE becomes Foundation Trustee.
- 100th school attends Learning Through Football education programme.
- Launched: Pitstop education programme, working with at risk youngsters.
2007
- Sport & Play: Football coaching courses delivered in Washington.
2008
- Launched: Cestria Chester-le-Street outreach centre.
- 1000th school attends Learning Through Football education programme.
2009
- Launched: Caterpillar outreach centre at Easington.
- Winners: Learning Winner for Pitstop education programme at Children and Young People Awards.
- Winners: Kicks Club of the Year.
2010
- Winners: High Sheriff Award for Great and Valuable Services to the Community
- Honoured: Received ASDAN acknowledgement of Outstanding Practice.
- Launched: Little Dribblers programme working with children as young as two.
2011
- First international soccer camp held.
- Foundation becomes EDEXCEL-accredited centre, allowing delivery of nationally recognised qualifications.
- Sunderland City Council Strategic Partnership formed.
- Winners: High Sheriff Award for Great and Valuable Services to the Community.
2012
- SAFC Foundation rebranded as Foundation of Light.
- Launched: Derwentside Homes outreach centre.
- Winners: Learn Where You Are Award for Family Learning.
2013
- Launched: Beacon of Light fundraising campaign.
- Launched: livin Sedgefield outreach centre.
2015
- Free School application approved.
- Winners: Employability programme Back in the Game wins National Project of the Year at NIACE Adult Learners’ Week.
- Launched: Washington outreach centre based within Washington Millennium Centre.
- Back in the Game employability courses delivered in Washington.
2016
- Foundation CEO Lesley Spuhler awarded an OBE for services to North East charities.
- Launched: Beacon of Light School opens within the Stadium of Light.
The Foundation of Light was founded with the aim of inspiring people to change their lives for the better through the power of education and sport.
