They have a 'winners do extra' mentality which has helped them develop technically and tactically as footballers as well as developing as people showing a lot of determination which has transferred into the classroom."Socially it has been an excellent experience for the girls travelling around the country to places like Manchester City and St George's Park and they have become stronger as a group." Lifting the EFL CEFA championship rounds off another successful year for the Foundation's Ladies Scholars as they finished runners-up in the NFYL Women's Northern Premier Division and represented South Tyneside College in the ECFA Women's Premier Cup Final. This season has also seen several Scholars establish themselves in the Women's National League for Sunderland AFC Ladies and Newcastle United Women, while Emily Hutchinson was called up with England U18s for a training camp. Foundation of Light’s Football and Futsal Scholarships, delivered in partnership with South Tyneside College, give talented players aged 16-18 years old, the opportunity to represent Sunderland AFC and gain nationally recognised qualifications through an extensive football and education programme.
The ’We Are Role Models’ campaign shines a light on the Foundation’s ongoing work across Sunderland, South Tyneside and County Durham, supporting boys and young men through sport, education and mentoring.
In our latest piece we catch up with Claire Bovill and Julie McCann about their volunteering experiences.
Azeem Iftikah came to the Foundation of Light to help settle in the UK after arriving as a refugee, but he is now an integral part of the Wear Together sessions at The Venue in Stanley.