SCHOLARS TRAIN AND PLAY IN MALTA

More than 20 of the Foundation of Light’s football scholars will be jetting off to a warmer climate on later this week, to take part in mid-season training camp in Malta. The trip, supported by Sunderland based company Wearside Fencing, will see second year ladies and first year boys’ futsal scholars train as well as face some tough competition with four games in five days. Delivered in partnership with South Tyneside College. The Foundation’s pioneering Football Scholarship programme was launched in 2016, with a ladies programme being created the following year and the programme expanding to include futsal in 2019. The aim of the scholarship programme is to give talented footballers aged 16 to 19 the opportunity to compete at national league level and alongside gaining nationally recognised qualifications through an extensive education programme. Over the last few years 10 girls have gone onto sign and play for SAFC Ladies, Newcastle United Ladies, Middlesbrough FC Ladies and Chester-le-Street Ladies. Steve McClarence, Lead Ladies Scholarship Coach said: “We are all really looking forward to the trip to Malta. It is a fantastic opportunity for our students to learn and play in a different environment.

I would like to thank Wearside Fencing for his kind donation. Without the support from companies like this, it would be hard for us to offer the scholars such an amazing opportunity

The Foundation is currently recruiting for scholars for the next academic year, with a number of open evenings planned to include on Thursday 27^th February, Thursday 5th March, Thursday 23^rd April and Thursday 4^th June 6-7.30pm at the Beacon of Light. The open evenings are the perfect opportunity for 2020 school leavers to find out more about the programme, meet the coaching and education team, and discuss their options for the future.