Former Sunderland teammates Gary Bennett and Martin Gray are launching a new grassroots football academy on Wearside.
The MGB Football Academy aims to provide elite coaching for the next generation of players, with the academy focusing on youngsters aged 5-15 and based in the Sunderland area.
The academy will give young players specialist coaching and advice, with Bennett and Gray also providing tailored feedback on a one-to-one basis.
The MGB Academy will launche with two free invitational training sessions on March 3 and 10 at the Silksworth Sports Complex, running from 6.30pm-8.30pm.
Sessions will run during term-time and more information is available by emailing info@martingrayfootballacademy.co.uk
Gray said: "Gary and I are delighted to announce this new venture.
"The MGB Academy has been set up to provide elite football training to individuals within the Sunderland area.
"We both thoroughly enjoyed our time at Sunderland during our careers and we look forward to providing further opportunities for the young people in the region."
Bennett added: "I am delighted to partner with Martin on the MGB Academy.
"We have worked together for many years and we are very much looking forward to supporting and developing the local footballing talent."
Bennett made more than 350 appearances for the Black Cats in 11 years at Roker Park, and also spent spells with Cardiff City, Carlisle United, Scarborough and Darlington.
And Gray spent six years at Sunderland in the 1990s before moving on to Oxford United and Darlington.
Both went on to manage Darlington, and Gray also spent time in charge of National League North side York City.
