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 this season.
Following the huge success of the Football Scholarship programme, which saw Sunderland Scholars win the league and cup double and Shildon Scholars achieve a top four finish, the Foundation is launching an education and training base at Hermitage Academy, Chester-le-Street from September.
The new site will see a further 24 youngsters represent the Black Cats in the NFYL Under 19 League against teams representing Premier League champions Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool and gain A Level, AS Level and BTEC qualifications over the two-year programme.
Jamie Wright, Foundation of Light's Managing Director, 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 September will see the introduction of two new men's teams in Sunderland and Shildon and a girls team which will keep us at the pinnacle of football scholarship programmes in the North East."
The pioneering Football Scholarship programme was established in 2016 through a partnership between Foundation of Light, South Tyneside College and Monkwearmouth Sixth Form College.
The Foundation will be holding open training sessions at Hermitage Academy commencing Tuesday 12th June from 6-8pm where young players will be assessed by expert Uefa and FA qualified coaches.
School leavers who are interested in joining the programme can contact Kayleigh Coates kayleigh.coates@foundationoflight.co.uk or call 0191 5515191 to register.