Foundation announces post-16 open events

Foundation of Light is hosting a series of recruitment events for Year 11 pupils who are passionate about a career in sport. The official charity of Sunderland AFC, Foundation of Light offers a unique range of Post-16 sport and education programmes and traineeships which provides youngsters with a platform to progress into football, futsal, coaching or higher education. Taking place at the Foundation's campuses in Sunderland and County Durham, the information evenings and open training sessions are the perfect opportunity to find out more about Scholarship and Coaches Academy programmes, meet the coaching and education teams, tour campuses and discuss prospective students' options for the future. Jamie Wright, Director of Programmes, said: "Making the right choices when you leave school is daunting for all young people, but all our scholarship players and coaches can be certain at the Foundation of Light they will find the very best training and facilities and a dedicated and professional team to help them achieve their sporting ambitions.

Our scholars and trainee coaches can look forward to training, studying and playing at the Beacon of Light, Stadium of Light and Academy of Light, gaining access to world-class facilities and a specialist team of support staff which is not on offer anywhere else in the North East.

The two-year Football Scholarship has been tailored to bridge the gap between grassroots and academy football and combines academic studies with representing Sunderland AFC in a national league against other Premier League and EFL representative sides. The programme has enjoyed outstanding success both on and off the pitch, with Scholars representing England, progressing to EBAC Northern League and FA Women's National League sides and securing university places. Launching in 2019, the Foundation's Futsal Scholarship will mirror the syllabus of the Football programme, with specialist training available for those who want to experience this exciting, fast-paced, small sided version of the game. As well as playing and training in Sunderland AFC adidas kit, all Football and Futsal Scholarship sessions and games are taken by miniumum UEFA B-qualified coaches, with strength and conditioning sessions, access to physiotherapy and video analysis also included. Widely regarded as the ideal 'first-step' for school leavers interested in coaching or teaching, Coaches Academy blends studying with on-the-job mentoring and work experience alongside some of the country’s best coaching staff with a guaranteed job interview with the Foundation at the end of the programme. Graduates have gone on to coach at Academy of Light due to strong links built with Sunderland AFC, and abroad in countries including Ireland, Spain and Singapore. Facilitated by education partners South Tyneside College, all programmes include a Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma in Sport and Physical Activity Development (equivalent to three A Levels) alongside FA Football Coaching Level 1 and Level 2 Awards. In 2018, 94% of final year scholars achieved their Level 3 qualification.