Sunderland College and Foundation of Light have partnered with Consett AFC to launch a new place-based football academy which will expand life-changing opportunities for young people in County Durham.
The pioneering academy, based at the football club’s Belle View Stadium, aims to remove long-standing barriers to education and high-performance coaching in areas historically limited by transport, costs and geography.
For the first time, young people in Consett, Stanley, Crook, Tow Law, Weardale and surrounding communities will be able to access elite football development and an outstanding education through a bespoke dual-career pathway.
Dr Michele Di Mascio, Director of Sport and Public Services, said: “We are excited to be working alongside valued partners to be a part of something in the Consett area which will make such a positive difference to the community. Consett AFC, Foundation of Light and Sunderland College have a longstanding relationship, and this is the next step in providing young people an opportunity.
“Student-athletes will be able to be a part of a unique academy while having outstanding education and exceptional coaching. There will be a full wrap around programme to support them in their dual career.”
Students will study full-time Sunderland College courses, including Sport Coaching and Development, with academic learning delivered on-site at Consett AFC which will be redeveloped to create a purpose-built classroom.
Their studies will run alongside a professional football training schedule led by Foundation of Light including daily coaching, position-specific development, strength and conditioning, video analysis and a comprehensive competitive games programme.
The combination of professional-standard facilities, expert coaching and high-quality education will offer young people in County Durham an aspirational pathway that has not previously been accessible locally, prepare them for university, semi-professional football, careers in coaching, fitness or wider roles in the sport sector.
Stewart Doyle, Head of Football in the Community at Foundation of Light, said: “We’re really excited to be working in partnership with Sunderland College and Consett AFC to support talented footballers to pursue their academic and football goals in North Durham. We have been in partnership for several years with the college and worked extremely close with Consett, so this is the natural next step.”
Further development at Consett AFC will include a 3G training pitch with a full perimeter fence to ensure the safety of all student-athletes, with all internal grassed areas designated as small and large training pitches for the junior section, academy players and the first team.
The additional classroom building will complement the current teaching and social spaces already in place, creating a first-class hub with education at its core.
Mark Bell, Facilities Manager at Consett AFC, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be partnering with Sunderland College, a first-class education provider, alongside Sunderland Foundation, whose extensive experience in delivering programmes ensures a superb student experience.
“We believe this new partnership will help remove barriers to participation, opening opportunities for more individuals to get involved. It will also provide students with a wide range of pathways and prospects upon completion.”
For many families in Consett and surrounding areas, the journey to existing further education campuses can exceed 90 minutes each way.
By bringing the academy directly into the community, Sunderland College and Foundation of Light are removing one of the biggest barriers to participation, enabling young people who might otherwise disengage from education to thrive in a supportive, high-quality environment.
The new Football Academy is now accepting applications for September 2026. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://foundationoflight.typeform.com/to/lbWVx3fM?typeform-source=statics.teams.cdn.office.net
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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.
