Wildcats’ boost just Champion!
GIRLS FOOTBALL
PLAYERS with a Northumberland girls’ football team are set to compete in a national tournament after being handed a £1,000 boost.
Blyth Town Girls’ Under-13 Wildcats have been awarded the cash through Persimmon Homes’ North East Community Champions Fund, which rewards two regional worthy causes with up to £1,000 each month.
The team has been invited to play in the Pitchero ACE Tournament in Nottingham in June and needs help with funding for travel costs.
Alex Bowman, who made the Fund application on behalf of the Wildcats, said: “We are one of the best girls’ football teams in the North East and we have been invited to represent Northumberland in Nottingham.
“We have done bag packs, race nights and raffles and we have a bonus ball each week to raise funds for all the tournaments we go to each year - but this is an extra one and we need a little bit of help.
“We would like to thank Persimmon Homes North East for awarding us this funding and helping us to compete against some of the best teams in the country.”
Debbie Zaben, sales and marketing director for Persimmon Homes North East, said: “The girls have clearly demonstrated their skills on the pitch to be invited to take part in this national tournament.
“They have put a lot of effort in off the pitch too to help fund fees and tournaments so we are delighted to be able to help them out.
“This is what our Community Champions scheme is all about, supporting good causes to make a positive change in the areas we work and live.
“We are pleased we have been able to offer our support and we wish the girls well in June.” THE Foundation of Light is offering even more youngsters the chance to don Sunderland AFC’s red and white stripes while studying towards nationally-recognised qualifications next season.
Following the huge success of its Football Scholarship programme, which saw three national trophies won, the Foundation is launching an education and training base at Hermitage Academy, Chester-leStreet. from September.
The new site will see 16-18 yearolds represent the Black Cats in the NFYL Under-19 League against Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Crystal Palace and gain A-Level, AS Level and BTEC qualifications over the two-year programme.
Jamie Wright, Assistant Director for Delivery Sales, said: “We are delighted to announce the launch of our Scholarship programme at Hermitage Academy.
“Last year exceeded all our expectations, not only through the performances on the pitch but also how our scholars bought into the programme and excelled in the classroom.
“Hermitage Academy is an outstanding institution which matches our values of providing high-quality education, facilities and opportunities to its students and ensures everyone works together to achieve that goal.
“This partnership will help keep us at the pinnacle of football scholarship programmes in the North East.”
The programme was established in 2016 through a partnership between the Foundation of Light, South Tyneside College and Monkwearmouth Sixth Form College.
Earlier this season, scholars representing Monkwearmouth and Shildon signed contracts with Premier League side Burnley, while every learner who has applied for university has received unconditional offers.
Information evenings will be held on Wednesday (6.00) and Thursday (6.00) at the Hermitage which are the perfect opportunity for 2018 school leavers to find out more about the programme, meet the coaching and education team and discuss their future options.
The Foundation will also be hosting open training sessions at the school on Wednesday and Thursday April 11 and 12 (10.00noon) which will showcase the Scholarship’s coaching style and how players’ training, preparation and strength and conditioning can be taken to the next level.
For more details about the scheme, or to register, call 0191 551 5077 or email jade.royal@ foundationoflight.co.uk.