SUNDERLAND Football Club has joined forces with the organisation Kick it Out to promote a national week of anti-racism.

The club will take part in a host of activities, culminating in an anti-racism day at the Stadium of Light on Saturday, when the Black Cats take on Walsall.

Sunderland first team players will show their support for the campaign by wearing Kick it Out T-shirts during the pre-match warm-up, and posing for a team photograph.

Youngsters from Laygate Junior School, in South Tyneside, will take part in five-a-side exhibition match on the pitch at half time and anti-racism material will be distributed to supporters attending the Division One game.

The club's stewards and security staff, who undergo training to deal with all forms of racist behaviour, will be wearing Kick It Out badges.

Black Cat midfielder Matt Piper will kick off the week of action with a visit to the Stadium of Light Education Centre today.

During the visit, Mr Piper will participate in a question and answer session about cultural diversity and anti-racism with children from Broadway Junior School, Sunderland.