Foundation of Light’s Futsal Scholarship gives talented footballers aged 16-18 the opportunity to represent Sunderland AFC and gain nationally recognised qualifications through an intensive futsal and education programme.

Futsal is an exciting, fast-paced small sided football game officially recognised by both UEFA and FIFA.

The game places a large emphasis on technical skill and ability in situations of high-pressure and is an excellent grounding for 11-a-side football.

COURSE STRUCTURE
Play
Students will represent Sunderland AFC in the EFL Trust Futsal League against other club representative teams.

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

Home games will take place on international and FA standard courts within the Beacon of Light’s Indoor Arena.

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 Futsal, 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 Tyne Coast College (South Tyneside College and TyneMet College) 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 Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma in Sport and Physical Activity Development (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.

Venue: Beacon of Light, Stadium of Light