Foundation of Light is scouting for talented young footballers and aspiring young coaches for its prestigious Football Scholarship and Coaches Academy programmes.
Places will be awarded on the two-year scholarship programmes, which kick off in September 2018.
Scholarship players train and play in the National Football Youth League, in which all the teams are affiliated to professional football clubs across the country as well as studying part-time for BTEC Level 3 and A Level qualifications with education partner South Tyneside College.
A specialist coach development programme is also open to aspiring and talented young coaches who can join the Coaches Academy on a similar two-year course. On completion, would-be coaches are fully qualified and ready for employment.
Jamie Wright, Director of Foundation of Light said: “Making the right choices when you leave school is daunting for all young people but all our scholarship players and coaches can be certain they will find the very best training and facilities and a dedicated and professional team to help them achieve their sporting ambitions.
"From September, all our scholars and coaches can also look forward to training and using the world-class facilities of the Beacon of Light, which opens later this year.
"Working with South Tyneside College we have a dynamic vocational partner who is very supportive and delivers an innovative approach to teaching and learning for all our scholars and coaches."
Alison Maynard, Principal of South Tyneside College (Professional and Vocational) added: “Our ultimate goal is to provide all of our trainees with a positive outcome and progression route once the programme finishes, whether that’s extending their stay with the Foundation of Light, going into employment or onto Higher Education.”
Foundation of Light launched its Football Scholarship programme in partnership with South Tyneside College in 2016. The programme, initially involved two teams training and competing at a high level in a national tournament whilst undertaking BTEC level 3 qualifications. Following a hugely successful first year, a further two male teams and a Ladies programme were added in 2017.
Recent successes include Craig Ellison and Lewis King who both signed for Premier League side Burnley FC, and Elliot Stephenson who signed for Hartlepool United last summer, while Ladies scholar Jael Anderson is currently on international duty in Spain with England Women’s U17 squad.
The Coaches Academy delivers hands-on training and guidance for aspiring coaches as well as providing the necessary formal qualifications to be a professional coach or teach PE in schools. Former trainee Nathan Kew is now a full-time coach for the Foundation of Light.
To find out when Foundation of Light will be hosting its information evenings and open training sessions, visit www.foundationoflight.co.uk.
For an informal chat about the Football Scholarship and Coaches Academy, call Jamie Wright on 0191 5515308 or email jamie.wright@foundationoflight.co.uk.