Veterans live the dream with 1-0 run-out at Stadium of Light | OneFootball

Two veterans teams fulfilled a long-held ambition by playing a competitive match at the Stadium of Light. According to Sunderland Echo, Sunderland AFC Washington Supporters Branch Veterans faced Whitnash Veterans from Leamington Spa during the close season.

The Midlands side edged it 1-0. Playing at a Premier League ground, the home of SAFC, was described as a dream come true, especially for Black Cats supporters.

The fixture was organised by local headteacher Jonathan Blower, 53, who moved to the city in 1995 to train as a teacher and has loved SAFC ever since.

Blower said it felt like a dream for the Sunderland lads and was also special for Whitnash, adding that many still could not quite believe it. For some, he said, it had not yet sunk in.

The teams walked out to Prokofiev’s Dance of the Knights, then Republica’s Ready to Go, before a pre kick-off rendition of Elvis Presley’s Wise Men Say.

After full time the squads shared a post-match meal in Quinn’s Bar. Blower said the experience was awesome, giving a taste of running out before 47,000 fans, and he kept pinching himself to believe he was playing there.

Source: Sunderland Echo