Foundation of Light’s Football Scholarship gives talented footballers aged 16-18 years old, the opportunity to represent Sunderland AFC and gain nationally recognised qualifications through an extensive football and education programme.

Through our unique partnership with Sunderland College we can offer a high quality dual career pathway for aspiring young footballers in the North East.

Students will have the opportunity to study a wide range of subjects across our purpose-built sports facilities, Downhill 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.

Students can also compete at top level in AOC Cat 1 League. Home games will take place at the Academy of Light, Downhill Football Hub, Bede Campus or Beechfield Park (South Durham Campus).

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
Through our unique partnership with Sunderland College as we offer a main and secondary educational pathway.

Our main academic programme allows students to develop the essential skills, knowledge and qualifications required to progress into a career in sport and leisure, either directly, or through higher education.

Students will study a full-time Level 3 BTEC in Sports Coaching (equivalent to three A Levels) under the guidance of the Foundation of Light’s expert Education Officers.

Classes are delivered over a period of two-years with a mixture of theory and practical sessions and assessed through external exams, observed practical assessments, written reports, presentations, discussions, case studies and workbooks.

The secondary pathway allows students to study a range of A Levels. This route may limit access to football due to the academic timetable, but each student would have a bespoke experience dependent on their subjects.

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

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

The Education element of the programme will take place at the Stadium of Light (Sunderland Campus) Beacon of Light and Bede Campus.

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

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS
-Play in the Sunderland AFC official home and away strips.
-Train and learn in the official Sunderland AFC official team wear.
-Individual and squad photo shoots at the Stadium of Light.
-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, Stadium of Light