ACADEMY

International Academy

Welcome to South Shields FC International Academy

My name is Lee Picton and I have spent the last 15 years of my professional career creating and developing high performance environments for young football players, with the purpose of facilitating accelerated growth both on and off the field of play.

We are so excited to present this amazing new program to you that partners South Shields Football Club with University of Sunderland and gives high level student athletes from around the world the opportunity to combine a first rate degree education at a top 50 UK university, with a highly professional, full time football development program.

Too often, talented young footballers with real academic ability are presented with an uncomfortable choice. They either have to decide to sacrifice their academic progression and future career opportunities in order to become a full time footballer, or they sacrifice their pursuit of professional football in order to fulfil their academic potential. The South Shields FC International Academy program, that has been collaboratively designed by the Club and the University, gives talented individuals from around the world the opportunity to maximise all of their abilities and potential, both academically and athletically, so no compromises are required.

The information presented in this document focuses on the football provision that will be delivered as part of the overall program, and hopefully demonstrates that we are hugely committed to the technical, tactical, physical and personal development of each and every player that we work with.

Thank you for taking the time to find out more about this amazing opportunity and we look forward to you hopefully joining us here in the north east of England, the heart of English football, sometime soon!

Lee Picton

International Academy Director

South Shields FC

South Shields Academy Brochure

South Shields FC International Academy programme

Take your first step towards combining a UK degree with professional soccer development.Our international partnership allows players from any gender the chance to find success both on and off the field. You'll follow a carefully crafted timetable to maximise the time available on the pitch and can expect to train in a professional footballing environment with incredible coaching for a season lasting at least nine months.

Academics

As part of the international partnership between the University of Sunderland and South Shields Football Club, we are delighted to be able to offer prospective students the opportunity to enrol in a three-year undergraduate degree programme for students graduating from High School, or a one-year postgraduate programme for students who are graduating from college.

These degrees are recognised internationally, and you can choose from the following options:

Football

When training with South Shields FC, you'll be instructed by an experienced team of staff who have played for and coached at a variety of English Premier League clubs. Their knowledge and experience will be vital in each participant’s overall development both as a soccer player and on a personal level.

Training will largely consist of on-pitch sessions with a focus on decision-making skills and tactical understanding alongside individual, position-specific skills. As well as a thorough on-field coaching programme, you'll also have access to professionally-led strength and conditioning sessions to supplement your training.

The coaching team at South Shields will work with players on an individual basis – players will meet with coaches to discuss and develop individual plans with a series of targets and goals, both short-term and long-term. This will be reviewed periodically, utilising video feedback to help players better understand coaching assessments.

In terms of footballing action, players will not be constricted by NCAA rules and regulations. The football season in the UK lasts at least nine months, and during that time participants in the programme will play at least once per week, but sometimes more often. Players will test themselves against other academy teams from around England in a structured league environment, as well as being able to play exhibition matches against top opposition.

The International Academy programme is an incredible opportunity for any High School or Collegiate soccer player interested in furthering their academic and footballing education, whilst immersing themselves in a new culture. Are you ready? We’re always ready.