Sundeland's star striker has backed the club's involvement in a nationwide anti-racism campaign.
Darren Bent is an ambassador for Kick It Out, which has organised One Game, One Community to encourage diversity in all levels of football. As part of the scheme, the Black Cats will be hosting a day of action on Saturday,One Game, One Community started yesterday and runs until October 26.
Sunderland's contribution is one of more than 1,000 events taking place across the country at every professional club, as well as schools, universities and community centres.
Against Villa, England striker Bent will join his team-mates in wearing One Game, One Community T-shirts for their pre-match warm-up, a giant flag bearing the logo will be carried out by the ball boys and Sunderland's staff will be wearing One Community badges for the game.
Bent said: "The work that Kick It Out has done has made a real difference.
"It's become a mainstay of the football calendar, and I'm proud to be an ambassador.
"All of the players at Sunderland support the initiative, and we will continue to do everything we can to promote inclusion."
SAFC Foundation, the club's official charity, is working with young people to promote integration between communities in a safe environment.
Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn said: "The week of action has been instrumental in helping to promote our sport in a more positive light, and I'm delighted that it continues to go from strength to strength.
"It's fantastic to see players, clubs and fans coming together under the powerful message of One Game, One Community, and Sunderland will continue to fully support and embrace this cause."
Lord Herman Ouseley, chairman of Kick It Out, said: "Collectively, we continue to make strides in the fight for equality across the game. Clubs, however, have a unique power to act as the catalyst for this progress.
"The One Game, One Community weeks of action illustrate this perfectly, as clubs, along with players and fans, combine to send out the strongest message that football is our game, and there to be enjoyed by everyone."
The campaign is backed by football's governing bodies and is the largest sporting initiative of its kind worldwide.
To find out how to get involved or to learn about local activities and events, visit www.kickitout.org.
Jarrow and Hebburn gazette
