Domestic Academy:

SSFC Domestic Academy

Futures Academy

A structured development programme for talented young players aged 11 to 16. The Futures Academy builds the technical, tactical, and personal foundations that serious players need to progress in the game.

About the Futures Academy

Serious development. Serious fun.

The Futures Academy is our structured football development programme for players aged 11 to 16. Designed to bridge the gap between recreational football and elite-level training, the programme provides a consistent, progressive environment where talented young players can push themselves and genuinely improve.

Sessions are delivered by qualified coaches across the week, with a focus on technical skill, game understanding, and the attitudes and habits that define great players. Players are challenged at every session, and supported every step of the way.

The Futures Academy is the natural next step for players who have outgrown recreational football and are ready to take their development seriously.

Player development

Beyond football

Our programme is built around four areas of development. Every session, every drill, and every conversation with a coach is designed to move players forward in at least one of these areas.

Technical Excellence

Ball mastery, first touch, passing, finishing, and movement — the fundamental skills of a complete footballer, developed through repetition and expert coaching.

Tactical Awareness

Reading the game, positional understanding, and decision-making under pressure. We develop thinkers as well as athletes.

Physical Development

Age-appropriate fitness work to develop speed, strength, agility, and endurance, building the physical platform for a long career in football.

Character & Mindset

Discipline, resilience, respect, and the ability to handle success and setbacks with equal maturity. These are the qualities that determine how far a player goes.

Programme structure

Training Sessions

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Matches & Fixtures

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Player Reviews

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Academy Calendar

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Education & Welfare

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straight from our players

“We didn't know what to expect when we first brought Jake along. He'd been playing in the park but had never had any real coaching. From the very first session, the coaches were brilliant with him. Patient, encouraging, and clearly knew their stuff. A year on, he's a different player. More importantly, he absolutely loves it.”

Sarah M, parent of Jake, aged 9

Weekly Sessions player

How to apply

Joining the Futures Academy

Places on the Futures Academy are offered by trial and are limited each season. If you'd like to be considered, get in touch via our Contact page. We'll be in touch to arrange a trial session.

1

Get in touch

Express your interest via our Contact page. Tell us a little about your player — their age, current team (if applicable), and position.

2

Trial invitation

Invited players attend a trial with our coaching staff. This is a chance for us to assess the player and for the player to experience the Academy environment.

3

Offer & enrolment

Successful players receive a formal offer of a place. We'll then work with families to complete enrolment, including any welfare documentation.

4

Pre-season

Players join the programme at the start of the next available cohort. Our coaches ensure every new player is welcomed and settled from day one.

Next steps

Ready to find out more?

Whether you're ready to apply or just want to ask a question, our team is here to help. You can also explore the rest of the Domestic Academy to understand the full player pathway.

SSFC Academy

Find out where the Futures Academy can take your player next.

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Weekly Sessions

Not ready for the Futures Academy yet? Our weekly sessions are open to all ages and abilities.

Browse Weekly Sessions

Apply Now

Express your interest in a Futures Academy place and we'll be in touch to arrange a trial.

South Shields Football Club · Since 1888