Sunderland A.F.C

Club History

Sunderland Association Football Club, formed in 1879 by schoolmaster James Allan as a club for local teachers, quickly embraced professionalism and became one of England’s early football powers. Nicknamed the Black Cats, they won six First Division (now Premier League) titles by 1936, and lifted the FA Cup in 1937 and 1973. Their home was Roker Park for nearly a century before moving to the Stadium of Light in 1997. Though they’ve had ups and downs, including spells outside the top flight, Sunderland remain a historic club with a passionate fanbase and strong regional identity.