International Fans Day 2024
INTERNATIONAL FANS DAY 2024 #IFD24
Welcome to our third International Fans Day. We’re really looking forward to welcoming our fans from across the world to watch the Red & White wizards.
Sunderland AFC has a thriving supporter’s branch network, with over 50 UK-based branches and 35 overseas groups.
Following our first successful International Fans Day in February 2020 and our last International Fans Day in 2023 the Branch Liaison Council, has again joined forces with the club to host an International Fans Day, when Sunderland AFC take on Bristol City on Saturday 6 April 2024.
Fans from across the globe will be invited to join what will be another special gathering to celebrate Sunderland AFC’s incredible support around the world.
Speaking about the event, Sunderland AFC chairman Kyril Louis-Dreyfus said: “Overseas supporters are important members of the Sunderland AFC community and International Fans Day 2024 represents an excellent opportunity to celebrate the incredible following we have around the world. It would be fantastic to see supporters from across the globe travel to the Stadium of Light in April and I’m sure fans, players and staff alike will ensure they all enjoy a weekend to remember.”
“Our UK fan base continues to thrive, and we are also seeing an increase in interest from supporters from outside the UK, “Wearside is famous for the warmth of its welcome and it will be wonderful to meet some of our many international supporters on the day.”
Cath Reid, secretary of the Branch Liaison Council: “When we held our first International Fans Day, it was always our ambition to make this an annual event, after the success of our event in 2023, we started to plan International Fans Day 2024 .
We are excited and looking forward to meet up with some of our many international members, many who have attended both previous events and will be back to join us again very soon. To see fans travel from Ireland to Canada, Tasmania, New Zealand and many more countries is absolutely amazing. You are an important part of our Sunderland family.”
The BLC has put together a packed schedule of activities aimed at giving international visitors a true taste of Sunderland, including two matches at the Stadium of Light.
The schedule includes:
FRIDAY 5 APRIL 2024
A tour of the Academy of Light.
Fans Party, to be held at the Fans Museum in Sunderland, affording an opportunity for supporters to mix with each other and enjoy some of our famous Sunderland hospitality.
SATURDAY 6 APRIL 2024
Supporters get together in the SAFC Fan Zone (part of the Beacon of Light) for pre-match drinks and entertainment before kick-off of SAFC v Bristol City at the Stadium of Light.
You will be given your IFD 2024 passes at the Foundation of Light
We will meet in the Magic Moments Bar and then go pitch side for a photo opportunity
Post-match, we invite fans to join us at Diago’s in Sunniside, Sunderland, where we will have an opportunity to meet with our very own golden voice of the airways Nick Barnes who will be joined by Sunderland Echo, sports writer, Phil Smith.
This is an opportunity for you to ask your questions of their views of the game and all things Sunderland. Food is available to purchase from Diago’s. We will also email those who register to attend further information with other food and accommodation offers. IFD passes will need to be shown to gain free entry to Diago’s.
To finish the night off, some of you will be heading off to The Rabbit
SUNDAY 7 APRIL 2024
Confirmation of Sunday will appear here shortly,
Any International supporters interested in attending should CONTACT US via contact page on our Website
Contact – SAFC Branch Liaison Council
Our #IFD24 Fans Count
We shall update our fans count on a regular basis as our oversea branches and support register to join us for #IDF24