They were recognising the youngsters' fantastic achievements in leading education programmes run by Sunderland AFC Foundation, the football club's registered charity.

Youngsters were presented with awards during a special presentation ceremony at the Stadium of Light called 'Top Scorers.'

The 11 children were nominated for their development in attainment, attitude or personal skills after taking part in one of SAFC Foundation's educational programmes.

These range from writing projects within the Centre of Light classrooms, to healthy lifestyles projects via the Black Cats double decker buses, or through the Family Learning programme delivered outreach in local communities.

Sunderland stars Kieran Richardson, Teemu Tainio, Darren Ward, Martyn Waghorn, Robbie Weir were all be on hand to dish the prizes out during the annual ceremony and each winner was awarded a gift and a certificate presented by the players.

SAFC Foundation Chief Executive Lesley Spuhler said: "This is the fourth year we have been able to reward youngsters who have each achieved something exceptional in their own way."

"It is a great opportunity to highlight individual stories and reward youngsters for their achievements and big thanks go to the valued SAFC Foundation supporters that have made this celebration of learning possible".

The event also forms part of SAFC's commitment to the national Creating Chances initiative, the flagship Barclays Premier League programme which aims to showcase the positive work of football in the community.

SAFC striker Michael Chopra, captian Dean Whitehead and defender Anton Ferdinand have already taken part in the scheme, helping young people from Sunningdale School to raise funds for a hydro-pool through a sponsored carwash, working with pupils for Thornhill School during an anti-racism project and rewarding hundreds of parents and children for completing a Family Learning programme.