Shildon AFC, in partnership with Sunderland Football Club’s Foundation of Light, began their two-year Football Scholarship this week, which will combine academic studies with high level football coaching.
The scholars will represent Sunderland in the FA’s National U19s Football Youth Development League against teams such as Liverpool and Burnley, as well as gaining a level three BTEC Extended Diploma in Sports Performance in Excellence.
Aged 16-19, the players will utilise Shildon AFC’s facilities for training and matches, while the education element will be delivered at the Foundation’s outreach centre located in the town’s Church Street.
“Today is a great day for the football club and our partnership,” said David Dent, Shildon AFC chairman and long-time Foundation supporter who is backing the programme.
As well as playing in a national league both home and away, which will open up new experiences for the players, they will also have the opportunity to progress through The Railwaymen’s youth set up.
Mr Dent added: “Here we are with a squad which plays in the National Development League, going across the country to places such as St George’s Park to play against Burton Albion. It’s giving them experience of other places rather than just Shildon.
“We’ve got really strong Under 16 and Under 18 sides and there a number of Foundation scholars who actually play for our development teams. Of course, we hope more will get the opportunity.
“Last season’s Under 18s captain, David Vincent, signed a contract for our first-team and came off the bench in the FA Cup at the weekend so it shows the kids who progress will have access to one of the top sides in the Northern League.”
Jamie Wright, managing director of the Foundation of Light, said: “We want to provide strong exit routes for young players, not just in football but education too.
“We have to be mindful that although the boys sign up for the football experience they have to remember the education side as if it doesn’t work out, what’s their next step? So the education element is vitally important.
“Hopefully we’ve done a good job of promoting the programme so when we show we’ve played at St George’s Park and against sides such as Liverpool, it will make recruitment a lot easier next year.”
The programme is funded by South Tyneside College with support from Shildon AFC and Monkwearmouth Academy in Sunderland.
Foundation of Light are taking expressions of interest for next year’s intake of scholars. For more information, call 0191 5515191 or email info@foundationoflight.co.uk
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
