Sunderland's reserves have five friendlies lined up ahead of the new Barclays Premier Reserve League North season. The second string, who will return to training next week, will get their first match action under their belts when they travel to Whitby on Wednesday 18th July (KO 7pm). They are in action again two days later, travelling to Heritage Park to face Bishop Auckland on Friday 20th July (KO 7.30pm). The following week the squad will make the short trip to take on Spennymoor (KO 7.30pm) on Wednesday 25th July and the fourth away game of the programme will see Sunderland travel to Gateshead on Friday 3rd August (KO 7.30pm). Preparations for the new season will continue with a trip to York City, recently promoted to League Two. The Black Cats will head to Bootham Crescent on Tuesday 7th August, with the game kicking off at 7.30pm. .................................................... Friendly ticket news Tickets for the friendly trip to Hartlepool later this month are on sale now. Grab your tickets now to see Martin O'Neill's Sunderland return to domestic action at Hartlepool United later this month. Sunderland travel to Victoria Park to take on Neale Cooper's side on Friday 27th July (KO 7.30pm) after returning from the Peace Cup in South Korea. Seats for away fans are priced at £10 adults and £5 over-60s and under-16s, and are available from the Stadium of Light ticket office. Tickets can also be purchased over the phone via the Ticket Line on 0871 911 1973. Ticketing details for the friendlies against Derby County and Leicester City will be announced in due course. ............................................................ adidas away kit launched tomorrow SAFC are set to launch the 2012-13 adidas away kit at the new-look Stadium of Light store on Thursday. Sunderland's brand new 2012-13 adidas away kit and training range goes on sale this week at the sensational new-look store at the Stadium of Light. Officially opening its doors for the first-time at 9am on Thursday 5th July, Black Cats fans will get their first glimpse of the fantastic new flagship store, which has undergone a complete transformation following the club's collaboration with retail giant Kitbag. The stunning new adidas change strip will be on sale from 9am and fans can enjoy entertainment while they wait with Sun FM's popular breakfast show, fronted by host Simon Grundy, broadcasting live from outside the store from 6am until 10am. There'll be guest appearances from former players, including 1973 legend Jimmy Montgomery and fans can be one of the first to get their brand new Sunderland Shirt personalised for free in-store. There'll also be competitions and spot prizes on the day and even a continental breakfast for the early risers! The fantastic SAFC store will be kitted out with an array of official and exclusive Sunderland AFC and adidas merchandise, for fans of all ages. To take a peek at the range of merchandise that will be available in the new store, visit www.safcstore.com
