The 2019-2020 Durham FA Challenge Cup Final to be staged at Stadium of Light

Sunderland AFC is to continue its support of the region’s football pyramid by once again hosting the Durham FA Challenge Cup Final.

Last season’s final at the Stadium of Light proved to be a huge success and provided a great experience for the players, management, committee and supporters of the two finalists, Shildon AFC and South Shields FC.

This season’s final will be between Sunderland AFC’s under 23 side and Vanarama National League North side Spennymoor Town FC. The final will take place at the Stadium of Light on Tuesday 31 March 2020, kick off 7.30pm. Ticket details will be confirmed shortly. 

Durham FA CEO, John Topping, said: “The Durham FA partnership with our senior club, Sunderland AFC, has worked really well over the past 12 months, with both organisations helping each other provide development and opportunities to many. We are excited by the opportunities that lie ahead for football in our county as we work together more and more closely."

“We are absolutely delighted that Sunderland AFC has agreed to host the final once again. This further endorses the clubs’ commitment to grassroots football and the wider community. To play at such an iconic venue is the dream of all players outside of the Professional game and is a massive boost for the County FA and the Competition. This gesture is further proof that our senior club is committed to working in partnership with the County FA. In turn, we recognise the benefits to football in the county from us helping Sunderland AFC be successful in its attempts to reach as wide an audience as possible for watching league football”.

Sunderland AFC’s Academy Manager, Paul Reid, said: “The role of the County FA is vital is the growing and enhancing football within our region, at every level. We are hugely appreciative of the support they offer us as a club and of the hard work of John and his team."

“We are delighted to be hosting the final at the Stadium of Light again, which will be made all the more special by the fact that our under 23 side will be involved”.

The historic competition began in the 1883-84 season, when Sunderland AFC were the inaugural winners. The club has subsequently won the competition on 23 occasions, the last being in 2008, when a young side, including Academy graduate Jordan Henderson, defeated Gateshead FC.

Ticket information will be released week commencing 9th March 2020.