Beacon of Light

About Beacon of Light

The Beacon of Light opened in 2018 as the home of the Foundation of Light, the official charity of Sunderland AFC. The building stands on Stadium Park next to the Stadium of Light and brings together indoor sports facilities, education and employability programmes, health and wellbeing activity, the Beacon of Light School and a nursery. The Foundation says around 7,000 people use the building each week.

Opening hours are 9am to 10pm Monday to Thursday, 9am to 9pm on Friday and 9am to 4pm at weekends. Sessions cover sport, fitness and family activities for a range of ages, with bookings and current timetables on the Foundation's website. On-site parking is in the green and blue car parks, where the first two hours are free of charge before tariffs apply. The centre is a short walk from Stadium of Light Metro station.

Featured in These Guides

Blog posts and guides that feature Beacon of Light.

A History of Sunderland AFC

The story of Sunderland AFC from a teachers' club in 1879 to the Stadium of Light: six league titles, two FA Cups, Roker Park, the 1973 final and where to see the history today.

Summer Sports Camps in Sunderland

Summer sports and activity camps for children in Sunderland, from Foundation of Light football courses at the Beacon of Light to multi-activity camps in Houghton and gymnastics in Washington.

Volunteering in Sunderland: Groups, Charities and How to Get Involved

Where to start volunteering in Sunderland, from the city's volunteering support charities and food banks to litter picks, Friends groups, mental health charities and youth groups.

Football in Sunderland

A guide to football in Sunderland: watching SAFC and Sunderland AFC Women, the city's non-league clubs, where to play five-a-side and walking football, and the Fans Museum.

Running and Cycling in Sunderland

Where to run and ride in Sunderland: the seafront promenade, parkrun at Herrington, Sunderland Strollers and other clubs, the Silksworth track and the end of the C2C at Roker.

After-School Clubs and Kids' Classes in Sunderland

Gymnastics, climbing, drama, football, trampolining and swimming: the weekday and weekend clubs that Sunderland children can join outside school hours.

Children's Birthday Party Venues in Sunderland

Football in a 4G barn, climbing, skiing, trampolining and soft play: Sunderland venues that host children's birthday parties, with what each one offers.

Summer Holiday Activities for Kids in Sunderland

Holiday courses, beaches, country parks, wetlands, watersports and the Summer Reading Challenge: ways to fill the six-week break in Sunderland.

Family Activities in Sunderland: Days Out, Indoor Fun and Weekly Clubs

Beaches, country parks, wetlands, castles, climbing, swimming and soft play: a family guide to Sunderland, with links to our detailed guides for each.

Best Coffee Shops and Cafes in Sunderland

From a seafront roastery cafe at Roker to a Mediterranean cafe bar on Burdon Road and a tea room at Mackie's Corner, here are Sunderland's best coffee shops and cafes.

Match Day at the Stadium of Light: A Visitor's Guide

How to get to the Stadium of Light, where to drink and eat nearby, stadium tours, the Fans Museum, family areas, accessibility and concerts.