International Academy

Delivering life-changing experiences at a professional football club in the UK. The South Shields FC International Academy offers a selected number of high-level players from around the world the opportunity to combine elite, full-time football development with a university education at one of England's leading institutions.

About the International Academy

Football. Education. Experience.

South Shields FC has partnered with the University of Sunderland — a top 30 UK university — to offer a selected number of high-level players from around the world a truly unique opportunity. Players combine an elite, full-time football development programme with a choice of educational pathways, including a gap year, undergraduate degree, or master’s degree.

The programme runs for a full nine months and is fully integrated into the professional environment of South Shields Football Club. Players train where the first team trains, access the same facilities, and in some cases train and play alongside the men’s and women’s first team squads.

Explore the programme

The Academy offer

Elite football. Real education. An experience of a lifetime.

Our programme is built around four pillars that together create a genuinely life-changing experience for every player who joins us.

Elite Football Development

Daily coaching from UEFA-qualified coaches with experience at the highest levels of the game. Individual development plans, GPS tracking, VEO video analysis, and a full nine-month competitive season.

Top class University Education

Study at the University of Sunderland alongside your football programme. Choose from a gap year, undergraduate degree, or master's degree across a wide range of subjects.

World-Class Strength & Conditioning training

Strength and conditioning delivered by Martin Nugent and his team, the North East hub for Premier League and EFL match officials, and trusted by Newcastle United, Southampton FC, Sunderland FC, and the Football Association.

a rich and varied Life in the North East

Accommodation at the University of Sunderland. Beaches, cities, countryside, culture, and some of the warmest communities in England, all within 30 minutes of Mariners Park.

Our education partner

The University of Sunderland

The University of Sunderland is a top 30 UK university (Guardian University Guide 2026) with over 25,600 students across campuses in the North East, London, Hong Kong, and global partnerships in 15 countries. The university is shortlisted for University of the Year in the Times Higher Education Awards 2024, and is ranked 1st in the North East for student satisfaction (Complete University Guide 2025).

Student-athletes on our programme can choose from a gap year experience, undergraduate degrees including BSc Sport and Exercise Science, BA Business and Management, BA Sports Journalism and BSc Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics, or postgraduate degrees including MSc Sport and Exercise Science, MA Journalism (Sports), and MBA Sports Management.

Explore the full range of courses over on the University of Sunderland website.

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

Life in the North East

There's nowhere quite like it

The North East of England has so much to offer. From the stunning white sand beaches of the Northumberland coast to the cities of Newcastle, Sunderland, and Durham, players experience an incredible quality of life alongside their football and education.

Music venues, historical landmarks, amazing food, vibrant nightlife, British countryside, and a community that is famous for being warm and welcoming. It’s a place that gets under your skin, and our players never want to leave.

Beaches
Music Venues
Sports
Amazing Food
Nightlife
British Countryside
Wellness
Historical Attractions
Community

Get Involved

Ready to find out more?

Sessions are running every week — all you need to do is get in touch. We'll help you find the right group for your child and make sure they're made to feel welcome from the very first session.