Sunderland Association Football Club are an English professional association football club based in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear that compete in the Premier League. Since their formation in 1879, they have won six First Division titles—in 1892, 1893, 1895, 1902, 1913, and 1936 and the FA Cup twice, in 1937 and 1973 (see Sunderland A.F.C. seasons).
They were founded by schoolteacher James Allan, moved towards professionalism and were elected into The Football League in 1890 where they performed well in the league, earning plaudits such as a "wonderfully fine team".
Sunderland won their first FA Cup in 1937 with a 3–1 victory over Preston North End, and remained in the top league for 68 successive seasons, losing the record to Arsenal when they were relegated in 1958. Sunderland's most notable trophy win after the Second World War was their second FA Cup in 1973, when they secured a 1–0 victory over Leeds United. They have won the second tier title 5 times in that period and the third tier title once.
Sunderland play their home games at the 49,000 capacity all-seater Stadium of Light having moved from Roker Park in 1997. The original ground capacity was 42,000 which was increased to 49,000 following redevelopment in 2000. Sunderland have a long-standing rivalry with their neighbouring club Newcastle United, with whom they have contested the Tyne–Wear derby since 1898.
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