Anton Ferdinand joined families on a walk at Sunderland's stadium as part of the club's Lifelong Learning programme.
Hundreds of families descended upon the Stadium of Light to celebrate their achievements in Sunderland AFC Foundation's Lifelong Learning programme.
The football club's official charity welcomed parents and children who have successfully completed a variety of family learning programmes within the last two years.
SAFC's Anton Ferdinand joined the families as the embarked on a mile-long walk around the Stadium of Light pitch - dubbed "Niall's Mile" in honour of the club Chairman and SAFC Foundation patron Niall Quinn.
positive work
The reunion event took place in National Adult Learners' Week, with parents sharing their experiences since taking part in the Family Learning sessions, where children and parents learn together and inspire one another using football to motivate each other.
Anton was also on hand to congratulate the families once they completed "Niall's Mile" - the equivalent of just over four times around the pitch.
SAFC Foundation Lifelong Learning Coordinator Paul Power said: "This was a great opportunity to get the chance to catch up with all of the parents and children we've worked with and hear their success stories. Our programmes are only 10 weeks long, so it's nice to see the families again and find out how the family learning sessions have made an impact on their lives."
The event formed 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 and captain Dean Whitehead have already taken part in the scheme, helping young people from Sunningdale School to raise funds for a hydro-pool through a sponsored carwash and working with pupils for Thornhill School during an anti-racism project.
