Sunderland AFC once again offered a unique insight into what it takes to run a football club in the modern game.

Taking place as part of Sunderland Business Festival, Chief Operating Officer Steve Davison and Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman hosted a talk-in at the Stadium of Light on Tuesday, October 10.

The evening event offered attendees the chance to hear from SAFC’s senior leadership team as the club looks to build on a successful 2022/23 season in the Championship, as well as learning more about work behind the scenes to build a sustainable club – from a planned solar farm to secure greener energy; to summer concerts which have seen global superstars descend on the Stadium of Light – as well as the club’s response to a Government-led White Paper that seeks to reform club football governance.

It provided the opportunity for attendees to participate in an energetic and insightful discussion with Steve and Kristjaan, giving a unique glimpse into the off-the-pitch world of football.

Sunderland Business Festival ran for the third time from 10 – 12 October, with the aim of inspiring enterprises from across the region, with a host of engaging speeches and sessions from high-profile business leaders.

Speaking ahead of the event, Steve said: “It’s great to be a part of the Sunderland Business Festival again as the event continues to evolve. As a football club that’s deeply engrained within the city, we are hugely supportive of the event and are delighted to be a part of it.”

The festival is organised by Sunderland Business Partnership, a collective of organisations – large and small – all with an interest in the city’s development, creating opportunities for members to collaborate and grow, which in turn helps Sunderland to be a more dynamic destination for business.