Sunderland AFC star Luke O’Nien meeting with up-and-coming members of local youth football teams sponsored by Wearside Audi.
Sunderland footballing trailblazer Luke O’Nien joined Wearside Audi for a special event to meet young football fans from the region.
The award-winning professional football star, who joined Sunderland in 2018, teamed up with the local Centre to meet up-and-coming footballers from the U7 and U10 teams at North East Elite Football Club, both sponsored by Wearside Audi.
The inspirational 28-year-old also took time to answer questions from the local young players at the event held at the Centre, which saw jars of sweets handed out for the best questions asked as well as a prize draw for a shirt signed by the Sunderland football team.
Speaking after the event, Luke O’Nien said: “It was great to meet so many young footballers and hear their thoughts about this amazing sport. I can't stress enough how crucial the support received from a leading local business like Wearside Audi is for the next generation of players. I remember being their age and having our shirts sponsored by a local company, and this was very important for our team and local community. This type of backing provides opportunities for these young players, helping to get them onto the right path from an early age.
“It is equally important that these young people are coached in the right way and are given the right messages, so that they can go on and fulfil their potential and enjoy this great game. For me, it’s all about providing the right path for progression and enjoyment, which is it why I’m delighted to be here together with Wearside Audi to support the local community and the future generation of football.”
Wearside Audi has sponsored the U10 team at North East Elite FC since 2021, with its sponsorship of the U7s team established earlier this year.
Michael Scott, Lookers Audi Franchise Director, said: “Our sponsorship of grassroots sports teams like North East Elite FC is at the heart of our values at Lookers Audi and we’re thrilled our support can make a difference to the work they do.
“It was a huge pleasure for our own team to host such a special event for the young people in the U7 and U7 teams at North East Elite FC. There was a terrific community atmosphere which reflects our commitment to investing in our local community and to doing all we can to contribute to the place in which we live and work and to the customers we serve.
“Luke O’Nien is an inspiration player and does excellent work in showing young people that with hard work and perseverance, they too can achieve their goals. We were delighted to have him on board for this unique event."
Kevin Fawcett, coach to the U7s team at North East Elite FC, added:
“It was a fantastic event and everyone at the club appreciates the support we get from Wearside Audi. Teams like ours are what community is all about and to get that backing, as well as a phenomenal appearance from professional footballer Luke O’Nien, has been a great boost for the club and for us.”
