Scholars are a real class act!
THE Foundation of Light’s Sunderland Football Scholars capped off an amazing debut season by securing a trophy double - after being crowned NFYL Midlands/North Division champions.
The Scholars had already lifted the NFYL Trophy in dramatic fashion at the Stadium of Light , forward Jak Hanson scoring the winning goal deep into extra-time.
With victory against Coventry City moving the young Black Cats five points clear of second-placed Liverpool at the top of the league, Scholarship Manager Martin Jones’ side have wrapped up their first title with one game to spare.
Jones said: “I am ecstatic for the lads and all our staff.
“We told them before the season started they were good enough to win the league, they just had to believe it.
“It has been a fantastic journey for us all, considering this is their first year and the fact they have faced a lot of good sides who have older and more experienced players.
“The Scholars have worked extremely hard both on the pitch and with their studies - we are so proud of them.”
The pioneering Football Scholarship scheme is run in partnership with the Foundation of Light, South Tyneside College and Monkwearmouth Sixth Form College.
It has exceeded all expectations in its first year, with learners also achieving a top-four finish in the Midlands/North League.
Launched in September 2016, the programme mixes opportunities to represent Sunderland AFC while delivering nationally-recognised academic qualifications.
Alison Maynard, Principal of South Tyneside College’s Professional and Vocational College, added: “Winning the league and cup double in their first season is as an exceptional achievement by the lads and one which will be long remembered.
“It has been achieved by the players through their skill and ambition to succeed on the pitch and by the tremendously strong and effective professional support they received on their sports programme from the three partner organisations.
“By working together, we have created a dynamic environment which has encouraged and facilitated these talented young people to excel and to experience a season of their dreams.
“The combination of academic and sports provision at Monkwearmouth is the most successful of its type in the North East.”
Steve Wilkinson, Executive Headteacher at Monkwearmouth Academy, added: “This team has performed at a very high level all season, working hard at all times and thoroughly deserving this success.
“They are polite, responsible and very mature for their age, exemplary in all they do and perfect ambassadors for the sixth form and for Monkwearmouth Academy.
“On the back of their success, the football academy is expanding into the main school where its provision will be available for 11 to 18-yearolds..
“I am delighted for them and for everyone involved in our sports academy programme which, in only its first year, has proved to be a hugely important and valuable addition to sporting opportunity in the North East.”
The Football Scholarship is recruiting for boys’ and girls’ teams starting in September which will be offering A Level and AS Level study alongside BTEC qualifications.
School leavers who are interested in joining the programme should email Kayleigh Coates at kayleigh. coates@foundationoflight.co.uk or call her on 0191 551 5077.