Eight proud students from Thornhill Academy, part of Consilium Academies, were chosen by Sunderland A.F.C to be flag bearers for the FA cup match against Fulham, which took place on Wednesday 8 February.

Year 7 and 8 Thornhill students were given the unique opportunity to walk out on Sunderland AFC’s pitch prior to kick-off, as a reward for their 100% attendance and excellent behaviour at the start of this term. Afterwards, they were lucky enough to watch the match and experience the atmosphere of the stadium.   

The opportunity comes as part of the school’s attendance and behaviour strategy, which rewards students with exciting prizes when they attend well and behave as expected.

Thornhill students also walked out on Sunderland’s pitch as flag bearers in their home match against Middlesborough on Sunday 22 January, with their excellent behaviour leading to a second opportunity to do the sole pitch walk this week.

The tickets were kindly provided by teacher supply agency, AK Teaching, who are one of the main sponsors of Sunderland A.F.C.

After the FA Cup match, one Thornhill student said:

“This was the best experience ever, the players waved at me, and it’s made my life!”

At collection, a parent said:

“Thank you so much for the opportunity you have given my son and the support you offer in school. It really is appreciated how much you care about him.”

Susan Hamilton, Headteacher at Thornhill Academy, part of Consilium Academies, said:

“It was an honour for our students to be given the chance to shine by Sunderland A.F.C and make our school community proud twice in a row.

 

“At Thornhill we have a positive school culture which rewards and praises excellent attendance and behaviour. These students thoroughly deserved this wonderful experience, and we look forward to rewarding more students in this way across the year. Thank you to AK Teaching and Sunderland A.F.C for these opportunities.”