The Inclusion Cup: The Fans Hub vs Essen

Aim

Raising £18k to unite Sunderland & Essen through football, inclusion & The Fans Inclusion Cup - a life changing journey ⚽🌍

Football. Friendship. Inclusion. A Life-Changing Journey.

This September, The Fans Hub is embarking on a remarkable journey to Essen, Germany, where 20 members will proudly represent Sunderland in what will be the first football fixture played by a Sunderland representative team in our twin city.

More than just a football match, this is the beginning of a vision that could create a lasting international legacy for Sunderland.

Essen and Sunderland have been twinned since 1949. Over 75 years later, The Fans Hub will strengthen that historic bond through the universal languages of football, friendship and community.

From 7–9th September, our team will travel to Germany to play against a team representing Essen, creating new friendships and celebrating a connection that has united our cities for generations.

Why This Matters

The Fans Hub supports men from across our community, including those experiencing Unemployment, Social Isolation, Mental Health challenges and Neurodiversity-related barriers.

For several participants, this will be their first experience of travelling beyond the North East. The opportunity to travel internationally represents a truly life-changing experience, broadening horizons, building confidence and creating lasting memories

The opportunity to represent Sunderland on an international stage will provide:

• Increased confidence and self-belief
• New friendships and social connections
• Cultural experiences and personal growth
• Improved wellbeing and mental health
• Memories that will last a lifetime

This is far more than a football match. It is a life-changing opportunity.

A Sunderland Legend Joins the Journey

Travelling with the group will be Sunderland AFC's 1973 FA Cup-winning captain, Bobby Kerr.

Despite living with dementia, Bobby continues to inspire others through his involvement with The Fans Museum. His participation embodies everything this project stands for: inclusion, community, resilience and creating positive memories through football.

Building a Lasting Legacy

This trip marks the third anniversary of The Fans Hub and represents the first step towards something much bigger.

Our ambition is to establish an annual Sunderland–Essen home-and-away competition that strengthens sporting, cultural and community ties between the two cities.

Beyond that, we have a vision to develop an international tournament bringing together supporters and community groups from across Europe, including Italy, Spain, Bulgaria, the Netherlands, Denmark, Scotland, Wales and Ireland.

A tournament born from Sunderland's proud heritage.

A tournament built on inclusion.

A tournament proudly #MadeInSunderland

How Your Support Will Help

We are aiming to raise £18,000 to make this project possible.

Funds will help cover:

• Travel and accommodation costs
• Match and event organisation
• Participant support and inclusion activities
• The creation of a dedicated Fans Inclusion Cup trophy
• The foundations for a long-term international legacy

Every donation, no matter the size, will help us turn this vision into reality.

Be Part of the Story

By supporting this campaign, you are not simply funding a trip.

You are helping people overcome barriers, build confidence, create international friendships and represent Sunderland with pride.

Together, we can create an international celebration of football, friendship and inclusion that starts with Sunderland and Essen and grows into a legacy for future generations.

Donate today. Share our story. Help us launch The Fans Inclusion Cup.

The Fans Inclusion Cup – Football Without Barriers. A Legacy #MadeInSunderland

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 27th August 2026 at 3:59pm