They moved to the Stadium of Light in 1997 after 99 years at Roker Park. In October 2007 Sunderland fans were voted the loudest supporters in the Premier League following a survey which was carried out at every ground in the league. 

The club have a long-standing rivalry with local team Newcastle United. The Tyne-Wear derby has been contested since 1898. Sunderland were relegated from the First Division for the first time in 1958, making 68 consecutive seasons spent in the English top league, still the second highest total in English football. Since then though, they have struggled to establish themselves back in the top flight.They returned to England's top flight after a successful 2006/07 season in the Championship, winning it under the leadership of manager Roy Keane. Roy Keane before his recent departure stated his ambition for the club by signing big name players such as: Diouf, Chimbonda, Cisse, Taino, Malbranque and Healy.

Now under the managment of Steve Bruce, new signings have come in the form of Frazier Campbell and Darren Bent to strengthen atacking options, as Sunderland hope to build on their 16th place finish in 2009, and avoid another relegation battle. 

Winners (6): 1891, 1892, 1894, 1901, 1912, 1935
FA Cup

Winners (2) 1937, 1973

Runners-Up (1) 1985

Winners (1): 1936

Steed Malbranque

Kieran Richardson

Darren Bent

Kenwyne Jones

Sunderland's Academy of Light opened its doors in march 2003 and was immediately received with considerable acclaim. The site houses 12-18 well manicured grass pitches including a replica of the Stadium of light pitch. From the itinial concept of the Academy of Light it was always the intention (excluding the day before a game) to allow fans to watch the first team players train.