Domestic Academy:

SSFC Domestic Academy

SSFC Academy

Our elite development programme for players aged 16 to 19. Combining high-level football training with education and life skills, the SSFC Academy prepares young players for a professional or semi-professional career in the game.

About the SSFC Academy

The highest level of domestic development at South Shields FC

The SSFC Academy is the elite tier of our Domestic Academy: a full-time football development programme for players aged 16 to 19 who are serious about a career in professional or semi-professional football.

Players in the SSFC Academy train alongside, and are integrated with, the club’s senior squads. They benefit from access to Mariners Park’s full facilities, high-quality coaching from experienced staff, and a genuine pathway into first-team football at South Shields FC and beyond.

This is not a recreational programme. The SSFC Academy demands commitment, professionalism, and a relentless desire to improve. In return, we offer the best possible environment for players who have the talent and the drive to make it.

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Academy offer

Everything a young player needs to succeed

The SSFC Academy is built around four pillars that reflect what elite player development actually requires. Technical talent alone is not enough. We develop the complete footballer.

Elite Training

Full-time training delivered by experienced, FA-qualified coaches. Access to Mariners Park facilities and integration with the senior squad environment.

Competitive Football

Players represent South Shields FC in high-level competition (TBC). The step up in quality is significant, and deliberate.

Education Support

We work closely with partner colleges and education providers to ensure every Academy player completes appropriate qualifications alongside their football.

Pathway to the 1st Team

The Academy is designed to produce players for the senior game, with number of graduates going on to play for the first team and other clubs at professional and semi-professional level.

Programme structure

Training Programme

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Match Programme

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Strength & Conditioning

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Player Reviews & Individual Plans

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Welfare & Support

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Beyond football

Preparing players for life, not just the game

We know that even the most talented players need to prepare for a future beyond football. The SSFC Academy integrates education support and life skills development into the programme, working with partner colleges and education providers to ensure every player leaves the Academy with qualifications and capabilities that serve them whatever their career holds.

Academy players receive holistic support with time management, financial literacy, nutrition, media training, and personal development. The things that turn talented footballers into rounded, resilient adults.

Education support
Partner colleges
Time management
Media training
Personal development
Careers guidance
Nutrition
Financial literacy
Strategy & tactics

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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 SSFC Academy

Places on the SSFC Academy are highly competitive and limited each season. Applications are accepted TBC dates/window. If you believe you have the talent and the commitment to be part of the programme, we'd encourage you to get in touch early.

1

Get in touch

Contact us to register your interest. Tell us about your playing background, current club (if applicable), and position.

2

Trial invitation

Shortlisted players are invited to a trial session with our senior coaching staff. Trials are held TBC dates/frequency.

3

Offer & enrolment

Successful applicants receive a formal offer of a place. We'll work with you to complete all enrolment, welfare, and education documentation before the start of the programme.

4

Pre-season

Academy players begin with TBC pre-season structure. From day one, you'll be training in one of the best environments in the region.

Next steps

Ready to commit?

If the SSFC Academy sounds like the right environment for you, we'd love to hear from you. And if you're not quite ready yet, the Futures Academy is the ideal preparation.

Weekly Sessions

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

Browse Weekly Sessions

Futures Academy

Explore our structured development programme designed specifically for 11–16 year olds.

Explore Futures Academy

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