Ladies Scholars celebrate first NFYL tournament win

Foundation of Light's Ladies Football Scholarship team overcame some of the country's top development sides to win the inaugural NFYL U19 Ladies Cup at St George's Park. Megan Elliott opened the scoring in the final against Swindon Town Football in the Community Trust before Emily Hutchinson doubled the lead at the FA's national football centre. The young Black Cats lifted the trophy after a memorable day which saw the girls score 11 goals without reply against Chelsea Foundation, Plymouth Argyle Community Trust and Burnley Shadow Youth Team in the group stages before defeating hosts Burton Albion Community Trust Ladies 3-0 in the semi-finals.

The whole day was a brilliant experience for the girls. To play at St George's Park in a National Tournament against good opposition is exactly what the girls need. They played some brilliant football, worked hard and as a result didn't concede a single goal all day. The Girls Pathway and football offer at the Foundation of Light is extremely strong now, and this is shown by the quality of players that we have on the Scholarship programme.

Steve McClarence Foundation Ladies Scholars coach

Winning the Ladies Cup rounds off an incredible few months for the Foundation's Football Scholarship which saw the Monkwearmouth men's team claim the league and cup double in April, as well as several scholars joining Premier League and Women's Super League sides. Further success could follow in 2018 with Monkwearmouth on course to retain their Midlands Division title and both the Ladies and Monkwearmouth North men's teams currently sitting top of their respective leagues. Currently recruiting for the 2017-18 academic year, the programme gives 16-18 year olds the opportunity to represent Sunderland AFC in the NFYL U19 Development Leagues and ESFA College Cups and gain BTEC, AS and A Level qualifications through an intensive football and education course. Foundation of Light’s Football Scholarship is delivered in partnership with Monkwearmouth Sixth Form Academy, South Tyneside College and Shildon AFC, Boldon School, The Hermitage Academy and is sponsored by leading dispensed soft drink suppliers ABCO-Anderson Beverage Company Limited.