Study. Train. Play. Represent.

Football Scholarship offers high-level coaching, outstanding education, and a chance to represent Sunderland AFC to talented footballers aged 16-18 years old.

Our unique partnership with the outstanding-rated Sunderland College gives young footballers the chance to work towards a dual career pathway within a wide range of subjects, while continuing their development across our purpose-built sports facilities, Ford Football Hub, and Bede Campus.

COURSE STRUCTURE
Play
Students will represent Sunderland AFC in the National Football Youth League and EFL Community & Education Football Alliance against other club representative teams.

The competitions are exclusively for development teams from Premier League and Football League clubs, meaning the football experience is as close to Academy football as possible.

Train
Students will train up to five days per week focusing on the FA 4 corner model of Long Term Player Development, with full-time UEFA A and UEFA B qualified coaches.

Coaching programmes are designed to mirror the ethos and schedule of players attending professional academies.

Players will be given individual learning opportunities as well as position specific training.

Specialist goalkeeper training led by UEFA B licensed GK coaches.

Study
What sets Foundation of Light apart from other football and education programmes is the scope of educational and career pathways offered to students. 

Through our unique partnership with Sunderland College, recently rated 'Outstanding' by Ofsted, we offer several different educational routes:

Sports Courses

• BTEC Level 3 in Sports Coaching & Development
• BTEC Level 3 in Sports & Exercise Science
• BTEC Level 3 in Sports & Fitness

Sixth Form

• A Levels in Humanities, English, and Creative Arts
• A Levels in Social Sciences and Business Studies
• A Levels in 'STEM' and Digital

Trade/Vocational Courses

• BTEC Level 2/3 in Electrical Installation
• BTEC Level 2 in Plumbing
• Other Trade Courses may be available upon enquiry

All students will be given the opportunity to gain an FA Level 1 in Football Coaching.

FACILITIES
Train at the Beacon of Light, Ford Football Hub and Bede Campus

The Education element of the programme will take place at Sunderland College either at Bede Campus or City Campus (depending on chosen course).

Home fixtures will take place at Ford Football Hub.

Additional training opportunities at Sunderland AFC’s Academy of Light.

Free Transport offered from training venues to college sites

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

• Play in the Sunderland AFC official home and away strips.
• Train and learn in the Sunderland AFC official team wear.
• Individual and squad photo shoots.
• Opportunities to impress in showcase game against local semi-professional clubs and EFL and Premier League Academy teams.
• Opportunities to showcase talent through access to NFYL and English Colleges representative squad trials.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Level 3 BTEC in Sports Coaching: At least five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English Level 2 is available for those who do not meet the requirements, subject to an interview.

Venue: Beacon of Light, Ford Football Hub, Sunderland College