South Shields FC have extended their partnership with Sunderland College for a further five years following a successful first year between the two.
The partnership – which has helped supply the club’s 16 to 19-year-old academy – has proved highly successful in the opening year with the Shields academy challenging for the top spot in the National League Under-19 Alliance. As well as Sunderland College Firsts reaching the semi-finals of the National ECFA Category 1 competition.
Headed by first team coaches Lee Picton and Graham Fenton, the relationship has provided a unique opportunity for aspiring footballers to enhance their footballing skills whilst gaining educational qualifications at the college’s state of the art facilities.
The high level of coaching and support between the two organisations has seen players such as Dan Lowther and Ethan Biwer go on the compete in the first team after graduating from the academy.
A spokesperson for South Shields FC said the club was “delighted” to reach an agreement over extending the partnership, and “look forward” to what the future holds between the two.
“We would like to thank Sunderland College for the close working links, and the outstanding educational provision it provides for our scholars, as we all look forward to even greater progress by our Academy scholars both on and off the pitch.”
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