Skills offer to budding young football stars

Two of the Wearside’s leading education and skills providers are teaming up give young people greater access to qualifications, sport and employment opportunities.

Sunderland College has partnered with Sunderland AFC’s Foundation of Light to support the charity’s football, futsal and coaching scholarships which gives 16-19-yearolds the opportunity to combine full-time study with coaching experience and a competitive games programme.

Each scholarship will see students students training under the guidance of UEFA and FA qualified coaches at the world-class Beacon of Light and the college’s multimillion-pound Sports Academy at its Bede Campus, while representing the Black Cats in regional and national competitions.

Off the pitch, students can follow bespoke academic courses,studyingeitherasport vocational qualification or ALevels.

In 2019, Sunderland College had a 99.1% pass rates in A-Level subjects, with 94.1% of student’s progressing to further study, university or employment.

The college is one of 22 AoC national football super hubs.

Ellen Thinnesen, chief executive at Education Partnership North East, said: “I am delighted that our two organisations have joined forces for thegreatergoodofourcityand wider region. Working together, we have already pooled our expertise and enhanced our curriculum offer.

"We have every intention of championing diversity and inclusivity.”

Jamie Wright, managing director at the Foundation of Light, said: “Sunderland College has a strong status within our city and we are delighted tobeworkingalongsidethem.”