SAFC and Durham FA partnership goes from strength to strength
Sunderland afc is to continue its support of the region's football pyramid by once again hosting the durham county fa frank pattison challenge cup final
The Last final played at the Stadium of Light proved to be a huge success and provided a great experience for the players, management, committee and supporters of the two finalists
This season’s final will be between Shildon AFC and Whickham FC both from the Northern League Division One. The final will take place at the Stadium of Light on Tuesday 15th April 2024, Kick Off 7.30pm with ticket details to be confirmed shortly.
Durham County FA CEO, John Topping, said: “The Durham County FA has a strong partnership with our senior club, Sunderland AFC, with both organisations helping each other provide development and playing opportunities to many. We are excited by the opportunities that lie ahead for football in our county as we work together more and more closely.
“We are absolutely delighted that Sunderland AFC has agreed to host the final once again. This further endorses the clubs’ commitment to grassroots football and the wider community. To play at such an iconic venue is the dream of all players outside of the Professional game and is a massive boost for the County FA and the Competition. This gesture is further proof that our senior club is committed to working in partnership with the County FA. In turn, we recognise the benefits to football in the county from us helping Sunderland AFC be successful in its attempts to reach as wide an audience as possible for watching league football.”
Sunderland AFC’s Academy Manager, Robin Nicholls, said:
“Durham County FA play an important role in the regional growth of our game and they provide an important alternative pathway for many young players. We are looking forward to welcoming them back to the Stadium of Light for the Durham Challenge Cup final in April, as we continue our commitment of supporting grassroots and non-league football in the North East.”
The historic competition began in the 1883-84 season, when Sunderland AFC were the inaugural winners. The club has subsequently won the competition on 23 occasions, the last being in 2008, when a young side, including Academy graduate Jordan Henderson, defeated Gateshead FC.