Premier League return sparks breakfast buzz

The Foundation of Light, Sunderland AFC's official charity, hosted its annual Fixtures Breakfast at the Beacon of Light today (Wednesday, June 18), as the club’s 2025-26 Premier League fixtures were revealed. 

The event welcomed partners from across the region for a morning of networking and discussion.

Chaired by former BBC presenter Jeff Brown, the panel featured Sunderland AFC’s chief business officer David Bruce, sporting director Kristjaan Speakman, and former players Kevin Ball and Darren Williams, who reflected on the club’s promotion and looked ahead to the season. 

Sunderland’s first fixture, a home tie against West Ham, was announced live during the event, while the panel spoke about the return of the Tyne-Wear derby at the Stadium of Light on December 13.

Jamie Wright, managing director at the Foundation of Light, said: “We’ve had eight years of being away from the Premier League and the Fixtures Breakfasts have always been a good event.

“But there’s something a bit different about getting the fixtures like Newcastle, Liverpool, Man City and Arsenal.

“It’s an exciting event for everyone to be part of. 

“The club and the Foundation should be working hand in hand. 

“We’re their official charity and they are our USP.

“I think everybody has felt over the past three weeks, the enormous impact of being back in the Premier League. 

“There is a lift, you can feel it.

“For the Foundation, returning to the Premier League is a huge benefit, we’ve probably downplayed it over the last eight years. 

“Being back in, there’s not only an uplift in funding that we can receive, but there’s more opportunities to explore as well.”

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