Foundation of Light teams up with Sunderland College

Two of the North East's leading education and skills providers have teamed up, giving young people across the region greater access to qualifications, sports and employment opportunities. Foundation of Light has partnered with Sunderland College to support the charity's football, futsal scholarships and coaches academy which gives 16-19-year-olds the opportunity to combine full-time study with coaching experience and competitive games programme. Each scholarship is designed to mirror the ethos and schedule of professional academies, with students training under the guidance of UEFA and FA qualified coaches at the world-class Beacon of Light, Downhill Hub and the college’s Sports Academy at its Bede Campus, while representing the Black Cats in regional and national competitions. Off the pitch, students can follow bespoke academic pathways, studying either a Sport vocational qualification or A-Levels, ensuring they have the skills, knowledge and experience to progress into employment, further study or to higher education.

Sunderland College has a strong status within our city and we are delighted to be working alongside them. The partnership will see young people working towards Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications to help identify and fulfil their future aspirations.

Jamie Wright, Managing Director at the Foundation of Light

The Foundation's male and female sports scholarships have enjoyed success both on the pitch and in the classroom, winning the prestigious national tournaments, with students progressing to professional football clubs such as Sunderland AFC, gaining further scholarships in America as well as some attending the country’s best universities. Ellen Thinnesen, Chief Executive at Education Partnership North East, added: “I am delighted that our two brilliant organisations have joined forces for the greater good of our city and wider region. "Working together, we have already pooled our expertise and enhanced our curriculum offer. We have every intention of championing diversity and inclusivity and all of our efforts are focused on raising the aspiration of children and young people to ensure positive progression to higher level study or careers." The partnership will also see the two organisations work together on community activities to benefit people across the North East, with further details to be announced in due course.