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Our partnership with Sunderland AFC

As the official Higher Education Partner of Sunderland AFC, we're working together to celebrate everything that makes Sunderland such a special place to study, work and call home.

A banner at a football stadium reading: Made in Sunderland

Our partnership

As part of our multi-year partnership with Sunderland AFC we'll work closely together with the football club to celebrate the people, businesses and culture of Sunderland.

We'll be working collectively to:

  • Give students enhanced opportunities to engage with both the club, and our wider community
  • Provide practical skills development and education experiences
  • Bring our wider organisations and communities together.

Having already worked closely with Sunderland AFC during Made in Sunderland week in the 2025-26 season, we're excited to be involved in more themed weeks, and to make an impact to the wider community throughout the upcoming campaigns.

Meet our students, Made in Sunderland

Made in Sunderland week allowed us to celebrate our students, alumni, and staff, highlighting some of the fantastic ways they've made our city great.

Carley Armstrong

First class degree graduate, producer, filmmaker and writer. Carley Armstrong works to celebrate the region's iconic culture, resilience and identity on screen. Since graduating, Carley's worked on award-winning productions, as well as producing her own films in the region. 

Carley Armstrong photo credit: Alex Currie

Daniel Webster

Daniel Webster, BA (Hons) Graphic Design student, had the opportunity to create the Matchday programme for the Sunderland game against Nottingham Forest in April 2026. Daniel's design for the programme incorporated key things that make Sunderland iconic, such as Roker lighthouse, the Northern Spire Bridge, and the Stadium of Light.

Adam Bale

After his career as a professional footballer ended, Adam decided to study LLB (Hons) Law at the University. Using the core skills and traits he learned during his time playing football, Adam carries discipline, resilience and working well under pressure into his new career as a trainee barrister. 

Watch Carley's story(opens in new tab)Watch Daniel's story(opens in new tab)
A person smiling at the camera holding a megaphone
Man standing in a football stadium holding matchday programme
Adam Bale, graduating on the pitch at the Stadium of Light, holding a university degree