SUNDERLAND have announced a freeze on their adult season-ticket prices, with the cost of a junior season-ticket at the Stadium of Light having been slashed to £50.

The Black Cats have announced their prices for the 2017-18 season, with the cost of watching a game at the Stadium of Light now cheaper on average than it was a decade ago.

With relegation a distinct possibility given the six-point gap that currently separates Sunderland from safety, the prices will remain unaltered whether the club are playing 19 home games in the Premier League next season or 23 home matches in the Championship.

Having reduced their prices last year ahead of the current campaign, Sunderland have kept adult prices pegged for next season.

Adult season tickets for the 2017-18 season are available from £350, with supporters over the age of 65 eligible for a special price of £250.

Sunderland chief executive Martin Bain has stressed the need to attract and retain younger supporters, and yesterday’s announcement means supporters under the age of 16 can buy a season card for £50, a figure that is more than 60 per cent cheaper than for the same seat 15 years ago and equates to less than £3 a game.

A child’s season card for the family zone is available at just £25, a price that works out at just over £1 a game.

Young adults aged between 16 and 22 will pay £170 for their seat next season, with an adult-and-junior package in the family zone costing £375.

New concessions have also been introduced in the Carling North Stand, with fans under 16 saving £300 on last season’s prices and those aged under 22 saving almost £200.

“Our local community gives us tremendous backing and committing to keeping our prices at an affordable level is just one of the ways we can show how much we value their support,” said Bain.

“It is key for us to be able to demonstrate that supporting Sunderland is something that is accessible to young fans. A parent or grandparent can bring a youngster to the Stadium of Light for £25 for the whole season, which we hope will encourage a whole new generation of supporters to develop a greater bond with Sunderland that will be invaluable in our desire to make the club stronger.”

Despite this season’s struggles, Sunderland still boast the sixth highest average attendance in the Premier League of just under 42,000.

Supporters can spread the cost of a new season card over seven months, without having to pay interest, and the renewal process will begin next Monday. Existing season-ticket holders have until 4pm on Friday, April 7 to renew their current seat.

Meanwhile, Black Cats youngster Michael Ledger has completed a season-long loan to Norwegian side FC Viking.

The 20-year-old defender recently completed a successful trial in Stavanger, and leaves Wearside having made 11 appearances for Sunderland’s Under-23 team last season.

The Black Cats recently strengthened their development ranks with the acquisition of New Zealand youngster Sam Brotherton, who was part of the team that lost to Manchester United on Monday night.