Spark Sport
Northumbria born Chris Dobey will take to the stage in Milton Keynes in the 2026 Winmau World Masters professional darts tournament. His campaign begins against Dutch professional Jermaine Wattimena. Currently ranked 15th in the world in the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) order of merit and chasing what would be his ninth PDC title, Dobey arrives […]
Rugby culture has become so well-known across the world as loyalty and sportsmanship takes over the core values of the sport, on the pitch and off. We talk to Sunderland University Rugby team’s Jonathan Derby who talks about his experience playing for the team and how it has been important to him during his first […]
Peter Dillon’s bar on 36th Street in New York City has become a match-day home for Newcastle United fans, bringing together a mix of Americans and visiting Geordies who watch games, recreate the St James’ Park atmosphere, and often form friendships for life — all from thousands of miles away. Justin, whose mother is from […]
Football isn’t only a game between 22 players on a pitch – it’s also about the game of international power on this planet. Not to mention the love of a Sunderland-born author for his home club and city. Spark’s Ciaran Myers discovered this when he met Guardian journalist Jonathan Wilson. It’s perhaps not often that […]
MATCH REPORT Hyde United 1-3 Hebburn Town A late brace from loanee Kian Forman secured all three points for an on-form Hebburn Town, which added to Campbell Darcy’s equaliser after the Hornets conceded early to a Taylor McMahon goal. Manager Daniel Moore made one change going into the match, with Olly Martin coming into the […]
On November 23, 2025, Joe Foster, 16, became an amateur boxing champion for Houghton ABC Boxing Club. In previous years, Joe won other major boxing titles. In May 2023, Joe won the Angel of the North Box Cup, and in November 2024, Joe won the Tyne Tees and Wear development champion title. For only being […]
When is a local football club more than a local football club? When it’s a lifeline – and life support – for the children and young people who live around it. Ciaran Myers discovers one such club on Tyneside. Newcastle Benfield is a Northern League football club in the heart of Walkergate, Newcastle – […]
If variety is the spice of life, that’s certainly the case for the rising young stars at the region’s two top-ranking football teams. Ciaran Myers reports. The North-East’s two Premier League clubs, Newcastle and Sunderland, have had their Under-21 squads competing on multiple fronts this season, with fixtures ranging from National League senior sides […]
FIFA has given Sunderland an early Christmas present – by leaving their squad intact for the crucial Wear-Tyne derby on December 14. But the club still faces a challenging new year. It’s all down to the Black Cats’ contingent of African stars, seven of whom are due to play in the African Cup of Nations […]
Christmas is coming and the Premier League transfer rumour mill is starting to churn out its first festive ‘forecasts’ – with Sunderland high on the list. Andrew Beharie gives us a financial reality check. The January transfer rumours are already flying like Christmas crackers, with the Black Cats heavily mentioned in dispatches. Sunderland do have […]
