Sunderland College is celebrating after three of its student-athletes received call-ups to represent their countries in a series of international fixtures.
The trio, who combine their studies while playing for Sunderland AFC Women’s Professional Game Academy (PGA), have been selected for their respective national youth squads following outstanding performances this season.
Forward Niyah Dunbar, who studies Sports Coaching at the college’s Bede Campus, earned her first cap for England in their 6-0 Uefa European Women’s U19 Championship qualifying win over Estonia this week.
Coming on as a second half substitute, the 18-year-old will be hoping to feature in the Lionesses’ upcoming games against Greece and Austria later this month.
She said: “Being selected for my first England U19 Women’s squad was a moment of pride and honour for me.
“I’m looking forward to furthering my development on the international stage. I would like to thank Sunderland College for their support, allowing me to maintain the balance between my education and football.”
Meanwhile, defender Ella West will be part of the Scotland U19 squad for the friendly double header against Slovakia in Bratislava as they prepare for November’s European Championship qualifying games against the Netherlands, Norway and Croatia.
Ella, 18, who studies Gym Instructing and Personal Training, said: “I’m honoured to be selected for the Scotland U19 Women’s squad
“Representing my country means so much to me, it is always a privilege and brings new opportunities. I’m grateful to Sunderland College for their continued support in managing my studies with football.”
Midfielder Niamh Boothroyd has joined up with Northern Ireland UI9s for a training camp as they look ahead to their own qualifying games in November and December against Italy, Switzerland and Belarus.
The 18-year-old, who also studies Gym Instructing and Personal Training, said: “I’m incredibly proud to have been called up to the Northern Ireland U19 Women’s camp.
“It’s a real honour to represent my country and continue progressing at this level and face new challenges. I’m also very grateful to Sunderland College for their ongoing support, helping me balance my studies alongside my football development.
“I’m excited for what’s ahead.”
In the summer, Sunderland College announced a long-term partnership with Sunderland AFC Women to offer talented young footballers the opportunity to combine an outstanding education with an elite sports programme.
Through the collaboration, players within the club’s Professional Game Academy (PGA) follow a bespoke dual-career pathway, gaining access to a wide range of academic and technical qualifications that align with local skills needs and support progression into employment, further study, or higher education.
In addition to expert coaching and academic support, student-athletes within the PGA access world-class facilities at the Academy of Light and the College’s Bede and City campuses, ensuring they receive a professional environment in which to thrive.
Dr Michele Di Mascio, Director for Sports Academies, Partnerships and Wellbeing at Education Partnership North East, said: “We are incredibly proud of Niyah, Ella and Niamh for achieving international recognition – they are fantastic ambassadors for Sunderland College, Sunderland AFC Women and for football in the North East.”
“This success reflects their hard work, talent and commitment, and highlights the strength of Sunderland College’s partnership with Sunderland AFC Women and its commitment to nurturing the next generation of sporting talent.”
Sunderland College’s sporting excellence is widely recognised with its sports academies numerous league and cup victories, with many players going on to represent their countries, sign with leading local clubs, or progress to top universities.
Recently, the college’s Women’s Football Academy – delivered in partnership with Sunderland AFC’s official charity Foundation of Light – won the AoC Sport regional tournament and will now compete at the National Championships in April, 2026.
Sunderland College, as part of college group EPNE, receives an Outstanding rating across the board in its latest Ofsted inspection.
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98% of our students progress to a positive destination
(*Destination data for Sunderland College students aged 16-18, academic year 2017/18).
Our achievement rates are well above the national average.
We are the College of the Year.
(*Top college nationally for BTECs, Pearson 2019)
100% of our HND and HNC students progressed to employment or further study.
(*Destination data, academic year 2016/17, HNC 19+)
We have recently invested £50 million in our facilities.
