National success for young Black Cats

Foundation of Light's women and girls football programme has rounded off a fantastic year with success in two national competitions. The charity's Ladies Football Scholars took a giant step towards retaining the NFYL U19 Cup at St George's Park this week, qualifying for the semi-finals alongside Newcastle United Foundation, Durham Women Academy and Gillingham Girls Academy. The ties will be played early in the New Year with the final taking place at a Premier League or English Football League stadium. The reigning NFYL U19 Northern Premier Division champions are also currently sitting third in the league with a second double in two years within reach. This season has also seen Scholars represent Sunderland AFC Ladies, Newcastle United Women and Durham Women as Foundation participants continue to make an impact on the women's game.

We are delighted to have reached the semi-finals of the NFYL Ladies Cup. To do so with an unbeaten record and without conceding a goal is fantastic considering the high standard of the teams we played. The girls really enjoyed representing Sunderland AFC at St George's Park against teams such as Chelsea and this is just one of the many amazing experiences we can offer through players our Scholarship programme.

Steve McClarence, Ladies Football Scholarship Manager

Meanwhile, Sunderland RTC U16s have made it through to Phase 2 of the FA Girls Regional Talent Club League (North) where they will join talent clubs from Everton, Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City and Teesside. The young Black Cats finished second behind United and will head into the next stage full of confidence after losing just one game in the opening phase. Claire Robinson, Sunderland RTC Technical Director, added: "Congratulations to our U16 team and coaching staff on qualifying from Phase 1. This is the first season for the new structure and an amazing achievement for all involved. "The success this year for our Girls Talent Pathway is testament to the hard work Foundation staff put into developing young players and offering them opportunities whatever their goal in the game, whether they are trying football for the first time or representing England."