Part 4 of Academy of Light series
Sunderland’s Academy has been a cause for concern for supporters for some time, The Echo spoke to staff, players and figures in the game to delve deeper over a series of articles this week.
In the fourth and final part, we reflect on what we’ve learned and the road ahead ...
Though it quickly became clear that Paul Reid’ s departure was not part of a wider move to alter or downgrade the academy’s Category One status, two challenging years nevertheless left fans fearing the worst.
The Black Cats have insisted that there will be no changes, with CEO Jim Rodwell emphatic when asked about the issue by the Echo earlier this summer.
“We are absolutely committed to the academy and our category one status ,” he said.
“Having a category one academy in League One is difficult but that is what we are committed to.”
That the academy maintained its Category One status earlier this year was testament to the fact that despite all the challenges, particularly in the upper age groups, the facilities and quality of coaching on offer remains exceptional.
And while the debilitating player sales underline where the academy needs better support, that so many are attracting interest from the top Premier League clubs again under lines the work being done in the younger age groups.
While one generation has been all but lost, there is another pushing through towards the U18 group and its imperative that they, and those that follow, find a different climate when they do.
Jordan Henderson’s remarkable rise underlined the qualities and values that so long underpinned the best work in the academy.
Henderson, though, is just one example and during lockdown, so many who have graduated from the Academy and gone on to have a career in the game were back (via Zoom) to share their experiences with the next generation.
Martyn Waghorn, Michael Bridges, George Honeyman and Blair Adams were among those who checked in to discuss their journey, leaving a gaggle of excited youngsters – and their parents – hanging on their every word.
Sunderland’ s academy may be facing a myriad of challenges, but it remains an attractive destination for youngsters due to its record for producing senior footballers who can forge their way in the game, whether it be on Wear side or elsewhere. That it maintained its status reflected the fact that it still has a staff and a programme that can generate growth and success.
Take brothers Finn and Mi lo Davies. Part of the Sunderland set-up at Under -13 sand Under-9s respectively, they have a strong footballing history in their family.
Their grand ad is Mick Martin, the ex-Newcastle United and Republic of Ireland captain, but that history hasn't clouded their view of the Academy of Light.
"Newcastle were interested in Milo, but what we'd seen at Newcastle and Sunderland with Finn swayed our decision," said dad Jamie.
"He had 38 weeks at Newcastle and we had to drag him to training at times.
"The big difference here is the culture. All coaches are qualified, it's all going to be good coaching wherever you are, but the culture was the big thing for us. The kids at Sunderland are allowed to enjoy themselves, it's not just about fitting in and con forming. They have fun. It's about enjoyment, as well as great coaching.
"The scouts were really amazing, approachable, personable. It started from there.
"Even during lock down, the Zoom calls that they've been doing with the lads and getting the likes of Michael Bridges and George Honeyman on with them has been great."
"Myself and Maeve, football isn't the be all and end all," added Jamie. "We do hear people saying' I' m going to take my son to Newcastle or Middlesbrough', but our lads are enjoying it and getting great coaching.
"Some parents are concerned and it is a shame because it is an incredible set-up at Sunderland. They are clearly still doing a lot right."
Sunderland face competition from Newcastle United and Middlesbrough but they maintain a huge catchment area full of talent.
Even as concerns grow over the hierarchy's commitment and the steady drain of players in the upper age groups continue, the regularity with which excellent players are being produced shows the value it should be held in.
An academy source told the Echo: "We’ve always produced excellent players, and we still are.
"The academy is still successful because of the history, because of certain staff and the identity we strive to have as a football club.
"There still needs to be work done with the younger age groups as it’s not up to the standard where it should be. The games programme has to be built upon, and stretching players to make them aware of how hard you’ve got to work in order to be successful.
“I’ve been in and around the academy for a long time now and I know how good the reputation has been, but it has dwindled.
“We’ve got some great coaches who are willing to roll their sleeves up and work hard to get results and improve players.
“We are going to take some hits along the way but we need to keep looking long term."
For that long term picture, Category One status is essential.
The issue for Sunderland is that as long as the current situation continues, the challenges are only going to grow.
Competition for players is only growing. Leeds United were recently awarded CategoryOne status–a new and fierce competitor on the doorstep.
The academy remains a source of pride in both the club and the city, but it has never been in need of more support and attention. Sunderland’s search for stability and identity at first-team level has a major impact below, and that can never be faraway from the conversation when we ponder the road ahead.