1879 - The Beginning-Black Cats

Sunderland Association Football Club was formed in 1879, established by schoolteacher James Allan, who wanted to create a football club for fellow teachers. The club was originally named Sunderland and District Teachers’ Association Football Club before adopting its current name in 1880. The club spent several years competing in the FA Cup and local competitions before joining the Football League for the 1890–91 season, becoming the first new club admitted since the league’s founding in 1888. Since then, Sunderland has grown into one of English football’s most storied institutions, going on to win six top-flight league titles and two FA Cups over more than 140 years of history.