We no longer support this web browser. Upgrade your browser for a better experience.

The Black Cats

Established in 1879, Sunderland has a rich history full of highs and lows including six league titles and two FA cups.

The team was first formed by James Allan and initially called Sunderland and District Teachers' Association Football Club, before changing to Sunderland AFC a year later and allowing non-teachers to join.

The Black Cats have a loyal and dedicated army of fans who are known across the country for sticking with the club through the good and bad times.

The Stadium of Light is one of the finest grounds in the UK, boasting a 49,000 capacity and an iconic atmosphere.

From stadium to street

Sunderland created the Foundation of Light in 2001, with the help of former club chairman, Sir Bob Murray CBE.

The foundation helps tackle many challenges in the local area, including isolation, hunger, mental health problems and unemployment.

Now the biggest football charity in the UK, the foundation's headquarters is based at the Beacon of Light just a stone's throw away from the Stadium of Light.

Celebrating success

We operate six dealerships across the wider Sunderland area representing Honda, BMW, and MINI, allowing us to connect with our Sunderland fans and their motoring needs.

The partnership also helps us to raise awareness of Vertu Motors through shirt advertising and by reaching the club's social media channels.

A testament to the loyalty of their fans, the red and white army boast:

1.6M+

Facebook followers

991k+

Twitter followers

405k+

Instagram followers

Backing the Black Cats

"We are delighted to welcome Vertu Motors as an official partner of Sunderland AFC. Vertu is an established and respected national brand which is renowned for its commitment to quality service and customer care."

"Based in the North East, it has an ever-growing presence within the region, and we look forward to working with them to establish a strong and lasting partnership."

Steve Davison
Sunderland AFC Chief Operating Officer

"We are delighted to expand our football sponsorship portfolio with the addition of Sunderland AFC."

"Sunderland have huge support and demonstrate a real commitment to their community, which is fundamental to how we want to promote our partnerships, with a number of our car dealerships also located in proximity of our new club partner."

"We look forward to working closely with them to bring the Vertu Motors brand to their audiences and support their various football initiatives across the region."

Robert Forrester
Chief Executive, Bristol Street Motors

Latest Sunderland AFC news

Sunderland Grab Point To Retain Top Ten Slot

Sunderland Grab Point To Retain Top Ten Slot

Sunderland remain inside the top ten in the EFL Championship after grabbing a point at Millwall, although the Vertu Motors-backed side has now won just once in the last five games.

Sunderland Reclaim Top Six Slot

Sunderland Reclaim Top Six Slot

Sunderland will go into the international break inside the top six in the EFL Championship on the back of a second successive 3-1 victory at the Stadium of Light.

All About Communities

All About Communities

Sports teams by their very nature play a huge part in bringing people together across a wide range of communities, and the community element is a big factor when it comes to the development of our various sporting partners.