Sunderland AFC is auctioning match-worn shirts from the club’s recent game against Manchester United at the Stadium of Light, in aid of the Nelson Mandela Foundation.
The Barclays Premier League game was designated as ‘Nelson Mandela Day’ in celebration of the club’s newly formed partnership with the charity.
The Sunderland players signed their individual shirts from the day and fans can now bid on ebay for their own unique piece of club history. The auction is open until Tuesday 22nd April.
Launched last month, the unique partnership between the club and the foundation, a first in world football, aims to help to promote the former South African President’s legacy, through the global reach of the Barclays Premier League. Sunderland AFC will be a Legacy Advocate for the Nelson Mandela Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 1999 to support the former South African Presidents’ ongoing engagement in promoting his legacy of social justice outside the purely political arena following his retirement.
At the same time Sunderland AFC hopes to utilise the organisations’ knowledge and expertise to continue to raise greater awareness of social issues, such as inclusion and diversity and support football’s quest to eradicate racism from within the game.
Sunderland AFC began its off the field relationship with the African continent in 2011 forging a partnership with the Invest In Africa initiative to promote awareness of the opportunities of doing business in Africa. Linking with Invest in Africa has also helped Sunderland AFC to grow its fanbase and global presence, particularly in Africa, where nearly 1.2 billion people watch Premier League matches.
