Course Overview
Foundation of Light’s Futsal Scholarship gives talented footballers aged 16-18 the opportunity to represent Sunderland AFC and gain nationally recognised qualifications through an intensive futsal and education programme.
Futsal is an exciting, fast-paced small sided football game officially recognised by both UEFA and FIFA.
The game places a large emphasis on technical skill and ability in situations of high-pressure and is an excellent grounding for 11-a-side football.
Course Structure
Play
- Students will represent Sunderland AFC in the EFL Trust Futsal League against other club representative teams.
- The competitions are exclusively for development teams from Football League clubs, meaning the football experience is as close to Academy football as possible.
- Home games will take place on international and FA standard courts within the Beacon of Light’s Indoor Arena.
Train
- Students will train up to five days per week focusing on the FA 4 corner model of Long Term Player Development, with full-time Futsal, UEFA A and UEFA B qualified coaches.
- Coaching programmes are designed to mirror the ethos and schedule of players attending professional academies.
- Players will be given individual learning opportunities as well as position specific training.
- Specialist goalkeeper training led by UEFA B licensed GK coaches.
Study
- Through our unique partnership with Tyne Coast College (South Tyneside College and TyneMet College) we offer a main and secondary educational pathway.
- Our main academic programme allows students to develop the essential skills, knowledge and qualifications required to progress into a career in sport and leisure, either directly, or through higher education.
- Students will study a full-time Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma in Sport and Physical Activity Development (equivalent to three A Levels) under the guidance of the Foundation of Light’s expert Education Officers.
- Classes are delivered over a period of two-years with a mixture of theory and practical sessions and assessed through external exams, observed practical assessments, written reports, presentations, discussions, case studies and workbooks.
- The secondary pathway allows students to study a range of A Levels. This route may limit access to football due to the academic timetable, but each student would have a bespoke experience dependent on their subjects.
- All students will be given the opportunity to gain an FA Level 1 in Football Coaching.
Facilities
- Train at the world-class Beacon of Light.
- The Education element of the programme will take place at the Stadium of Light.
- Additional training opportunities at official Sunderland AFC’s Academy of Light.
Additional Benefits
- Play in the Sunderland AFC official Adidas home and away strips.
- Train and learn in the official Sunderland AFC official adidas team wear.
- Individual and squad photo shoots at the Stadium of Light.
Strength & Conditioning
- Support through highly qualified and experienced staff. Students will be provided with bespoke individual training plans to help improve their physical development and manage injury prevention.
Physiotherapy
- Students will have access to high quality physiotherapy support for injury diagnosis and rehabilitation programmes.
Analysis
- Students will have game improvement support through video analysis of games and training. This can be accessed individually and through team workshops.
Nutrition
- Students will take part in nutrition workshops, covering regular, training and performance phases.
Career support
- Students will have access to the Foundation of Lights wide range of programmes to help them focus on their career path, offering chances to be trained and gain experience in their chosen field whilst still studying on the course.
Entry Requirements
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma in Sport and Physical Activity Development Level 3:
- At least five GCSEs at grade C or above, including English (Grade 4).
Level 2 is available for those who do not meet the requirements, subject to an interview.
For more information on the Foundation of Light Futsal Scholarship please call 0191 5634777 or email info@foundationoflight.co.uk.
Running alongside our highly successful Football Scholarship and Coaches Academy at the Beacon of Light, our students access the very best learning environments and sports facilities available, enhanced by our first-class coaches and education officers.
