School academy ready to kick off

A WEARSIDE school is making history by becoming the first in the North East to have a girls’ football academy, writes SAM BLACKLOCK.

Hetton School will play host to the all-new girls football academy from September, which will be run in partnership with the SAFC Foundation.

It will offer girls the opportunity to enjoy a stimulating and challenging football programme while continuing their education at Hetton School.

Each year a selection process, undertaken by the Foundation will identify a group of girls to begin the programme from the year groups seven up to 10 (girls aged between 11 and 15)

Students will benefit from a maximum of six hours of advanced football coaching per week from fully-qualified coaches running alongside an educational curriculum.

The appointed head coach will work with the students, developing all aspects of their game.

Alongside the caoching the girls’ education will still remain a top priority.

The programme will help to develop committed and enthusiastic players while improving their skills and abilities in other key areas.

Football will be used to develop their education as well as key life skills such as time management, reliability, determination, resilience, teamwork and respect.

Craig Knowles, acting head teacher at Hetton School, said: “We are really excited to launch this unique girls football academy in partnership with the Foundation of Light.

“We think it is vital to create a strong pathway for female sport in line with our own educational pathways and this new academy will really establish that.”

Jamie Wright, the Foundation of Light’s managing-director, added: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Hetton School on this academy and applaud their efforts to bring female sport to the fore alongside education.”

Hetton School will be hosting an open evening to introduce potential new girls to the academy.

This will be on Tuesday (5.30) and will be an invaluable opportunity to find out more about the academy and apply for a place.

Informative presentations will form much of the evening and staff from both Hetton School and the Foundation will be on hand to answer any questions.

More information can be obtained by contacting Hetton School directly on 0191 553 6756 or email hettonschool@schools.sunderland.gov.uk.