Sunderland Expand Further into Africa with Tanzanian Partnership

Sunderland have extended their ties in Africa by partnering with US energy firm Symbion Power to build a new football academy in the capital of Tanzania, discount Dar es Salaam.

The school aims to bring football facilities to thousands of local young people in the capital, with Sunderland providing building expertise and coaching support.

Sunderland CEO Margaret Byrne said: “The first stage involves us working with Symbion Power to build a community-type academy, allowing many children to come and enjoy playing the game.

“The second stage involves us working together with Symbion and possibly other conglomerates to build an elite academy.

“We will assist with the various models we use here at the Academy of Light and also with the knowledge we’ve gained from the EPPP (Elite Player Performance Plan) project too.”

Sunderland, who narrowly avoided relegation from the Premier League this season, already have partnerships in Africa, such as the latest one with BFS Group, the UK operation of the Bidvest Group from South Africa.