UP to half a million youngsters across the region are to benefit from the expansion of Sunderland AFC's community programme.
The club has unveiled plans for an expanded education and community centre called The Centre for Life.
The Black Cats this week submitted a planning application for the facility, built on two floors in the north-west corner of the Stadium of Light.
It will be used for the club's education and community teams to tutor young supporters.
Club chairman Bob Murray said: "This is a unique development that will allow us to double the size of what is already the most far-reaching community facility offered by any football club in Britain.
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