SUNDERLAND AFC ACADEMY Information on everything relating to latest football trial opportunities. Includes the academy contact, process of applying for possible academy opportunities and trials procedure, scholarship availability and your chances on joining this academy. Improve your football progression - Register on our website today!

SUNDERLAND Academy ratings, reviews, trial opportunity stats, staff ratings & more....

Academy Overall 8/10; Academy Staff 8/10; Academy Players 7.5/10; Facilities 8/10; Academy Status Catagory 2; Academy Ages U6 to U23+; Community U6-U8; Foundation U9-U12; Youth Development U13-U16; Scholarships Age 15 to 19; Professionals Players from Age 16+; Gifted/Talented Trials Opportunities - Seasonal; Academy Scouts, Staff 40+; Academy Players 200+; Overseas Trials Opportunities - TBA; Trial Chance Score 66%; Accept player CV - Yes; Formal trials procedure & contact provided - Yes; Website access gives you over 100 trials and 1000 clubs

Sunderland Football Club, with its rich history and commitment to youth development, offers a clear pathway for young talents aspiring to become professional footballers. The club's Academy of Light is a state-of-the-art facility, boasting Category One status under the Elite Player Performance Plan, which is the highest level possible in the UK. This reflects the club's dedication to nurturing young players, providing them with top-class facilities, including a hydrotherapy pool, medical care, and both indoor and outdoor pitches.

The academy is not just about football; it emphasizes the holistic development of its players, ensuring they grow academically and socially. The educational component is taken seriously, with full-time scholars embarking on an Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence, which includes a Level 3 NVQ Diploma and a BTEC Level 3 in Sport. This approach aligns with the club's belief in lifelong learning and the importance of a supportive environment where players can experiment, make errors, and express themselves. Trials at Sunderland FC are a gateway for talented individuals to showcase their skills and potentially join the ranks of this prestigious academy. These trials are conducted regularly and are designed to be inclusive, allowing players of all abilities to participate. The club's scouting network is always on the lookout for emerging talents, and the trials are a perfect opportunity for young footballers to get noticed. For those interested in the women's game, the Sunderland Emerging Talent Centre, part of the FA's initiative to make the game more diverse and inclusive, offers a structured player pathway starting from Wildcats sessions to the Player Development Programme.

The centre runs for 30 weeks over the season and includes matches and a festival, complementing grassroots team play with additional high-quality training. Sunderland AFC Women also runs a Professional Game Academy for 16-21-year-olds, further highlighting the club's commitment to developing female football talent. With such comprehensive programs and facilities, Sunderland FC continues to be a beacon of opportunity for young footballers in England and beyond. For more information on trials and the academy, interested parties can visit the Foundation of Light website or the official club guide.

For those looking to join the Sunderland FC football academy, the club offers a structured pathway for young talent to develop their skills and potentially progress to professional levels. The academy conducts trials, providing opportunities for aspiring footballers to demonstrate their abilities. Interested individuals can contact the academy for trial information and registration details. The official Sunderland AFC website provides contact information, including phone numbers and email addresses for inquiries. Additionally, the Foundation of Light, associated with Sunderland AFC, offers various programs and courses for different age groups and may also have information on trials and talent development initiatives. It's advisable to reach out directly to the academy or visit the official Sunderland AFC website for the most current and detailed information regarding trials and contacts.

Sunderland Foundation Football Trials

BOYS SCHOLARSHIP TRIALS In Year 11? Interested in studying while playing football next year Come along to our trial to earn your place in the squad Book your place This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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Sunderland AFC Official Scholarship social media account follows us on social media and tags us and asks us to promote certain media posts about it football scholarships. Whilst it does not endorse us or do we have official affiliation to Sunderland, it goes a long way to showing we are held in high esteem and respect to help promote scholarships and football trials to our members.

Sunderland Football Academy

Sunderland Road

Cleadon

SR6 7UN

The club’s Academy of Light opened its doors in 2003 and is rightly considered amongst the best football training facilities in Europe.

The club’s players have access to magnificent facilities, including a hydrotherapy pool, top-class medical care and an indoor barn featuring a 4G synthetic pitch as well as up to 18 outdoor pitches.

The low-profile buildings are deceptive – the lower floor is completely below ground level and packs in more than can be imagined from the outside!

It’s a far cry from the club’s previous training ground, the Charlie Hurley Centre, which was made up of temporary buildings including an old cricket pavilion.

OUR PHILOSOPHY

The Academy aims to be professional, approachable and friendly and will give young players the best chance to develop on the pitch as well as socially and academically.

We have a responsibility to develop young players in a challenging, safe and supportive environment with committed and experienced members of staff.

We strive to create an environment where developing players are encouraged to experiment, make errors and express themselves.

A system is in place which allows young players to progress to the first-team squad if they are prepared to work hard, be open-minded and stay committed.

Players will be treated fairly and will receive advice and feedback as part of a holistic approach which will produce young men and footballers we can all be proud of.

The educational development of every young footballer is a key part of Academy life, and we take our commitment to education seriously.

We firmly believe in lifelong learning and the holistic development of every Academy player.

This, together with our opinion that success is a journey not a destination, forms the foundation of our mission statement.

All full-time scholars embark on an Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence (AASE). The apprenticeship is comprised of a Level 3 NVQ Diploma plus an educational component. 

Most scholars will study for a BTEC Level 3 in Sport as part of their education and this is equivalent to two A-Levels.

The scholars also graduate from the Academy, whether to the professional game or elsewhere, with a referee’s qualification and an FA Level 2 Certificate in Coaching Football.

The Academy is home to all the club’s representative teams, from the youngest age groups through to the U18, U21 and senior squads as well as the Sunderland Ladies team.

Send a full players CV for trials to

Academy Manager
Sunderland AFC
Stadium of Light
Sunderland
SR5 1SU