By Sarah Dale
16 December 2025
It was a very special weekend for Sunderland AFC fans, having secured a 1-0 win in the Tyne-Wear derby and every SAFC footie fan is still riding high on the landmark result.
So when SAFC legend Kevin Ball, who played for Sunderland in the 1990s and returned to the club twice as caretaker manager and most recently as a club ambassador, called into St John Bosco Catholic Primary School to surprise a special retiree it caused a ripple of excitement.
School business manager Gill Mason is retiring this week after an incredible 29 years of dedicated service at St John Bosco Catholic Primary School, which is part of Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust.
Mrs Mason, who is a lifelong Sunderland fan, was thrilled to receive a signed SAFC shirt from Kevin on behalf of the club.
Reflecting on her time at the primary school, Mrs Mason said: “It has been an honour and a privilege to work at St John Bosco for 29 years. I will miss the children, parents and the staff very much.”
Headteacher Lianne Peart said: “We were honoured to welcome Sunderland AFC legend Kevin Ball for a very special visit.
“We wish Mrs Mason all the best in her retirement and thank her for nearly three decades of commitment and passion. What a fantastic way to celebrate such an inspiring milestone.”
For more information about St John Bosco Catholic Primary School, visit www.stjohnboscosunderland/org/uk
For more information about BCCET, visit www.bccet.org.uk
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