Foundation launches Futsal Scholarship

Foundation of Light is offering school leavers with more opportunities to kick start a career in sport with the launch of its Futsal Education Programme. Kicking off in September 2019, the two-year course combines studying professionally recognised qualifications with the experience of representing Sunderland AFC in a national league. Delivered in partnership with South Tyneside College, youngsters aged 16-18 will study and play at the Beacon of Light, one of the leading sports and education facilities in the country.

We are delighted to launch our Futsal Scholarship which will give those with a passion for sport another pathway to progress into their chosen career. Running alongside our highly successful Football Scholarship and Coaches Academy at the Beacon of Light, our students access the very best learning environments and sports facilities available, enhanced by our first-class coaches and education officers.

Ian Dipper, South Durham Education Coordinator and Football Scholarship Coach

Futsal is an exciting, fast-paced small sided football game normally played on a flat indoor pitch with hockey sized goals and a size four ball with a reduced bounce which creates an emphasis on improvisation, creativity and technique as well as ball control and passing. Many of the top world class footballers played Futsal in their youth and credit it with supporting their footballing development including Pele, Ronaldinho, Kaka, Xavi, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. The Scholars will travel the country to face Premier League and EFL clubs including Brighton and Hove Albion, Chelsea, Middlesbrough and Newcastle United in the EFL Trust Futsal League while studying towards a Cambridge Tech Level 3 in Sport and a choice of FA qualifications. Students will receive regular futsal coaching from UEFA and FA qualified coaches to develop technical, tactical and physical ability while gaining the skills needed to seek employment in coaching, sports science, sports facilities management, personal training, teaching, or progress to further education at university.