Every football fan likes to think they've played a part in their club's success. 

Well now some of our adults from day services can say they've done just that. 

For a team from the North East Autism Society took part in Sunderland AFC's big seat switch up ahead of the new season starting. 

With 31,500 faded seats to replace the club issued an invitation to season ticket holders to take part in installing gleaming new white seats. 

And when Iain Watson, assistant manager at the North East Autism Society's Emsworth site, found out - he had just the people in mind for the job. 

"I knew Michael Mohan was a season ticket holder at the club, and Ross Gordon works in the club shop too, so it seemed a perfect opportunity to get out into the community, play our part and do something I knew they would love," said Iain. 

Team NEAS on the day was made up of Iain and support workers Angela Crosby and Colin Hargreaves, with Helen Binks, Ross and Michael who are all part of our adult day services provision, based at Emsworth, Sunderland. 

Support Liaison Officer for Sunderland, Chris Waters, said: "We really appreciate the support of the North East Autism Society. We had hoped it would be an opportunity some of our fans would like and we've been inundated with over 3,000 applying to help change over the seats. 

"Having the team from the North East Autism Society here builds on our already established relationship with the charity and I'm sure those involved today will have had a fantastic time. We look forward to inviting them back to try out the new seats sometime this season."

The Society volunteers helped install new white seats in the north-east lower bowl section of the Stadium of Light. 

With the sun shining our volunteers were excited both to get on with the job - and to be treated to lunch. 

Ross said: "It's brilliant. It's a busy week with new football strips coming too. I'm happy to be here."

While Helen was delighted with the prospect of a meal out. 

She added: "We're getting our lunch if we do our work in time. I'll be sitting with Michael."