How to apply

The International Academy is designed for players from outside the United Kingdom who are serious about their football development and want to combine it with a meaningful university qualification. There is no age limit on the programme — we do play in age-restricted competitions, but we are also able to accommodate overage players within those competitions.

We welcome players from all backgrounds and all parts of the world. What matters is your commitment to the programme, your desire to improve, and your readiness to embrace everything that life at South Shields FC and the University of Sunderland has to offer.

The International Academy is open to players from outside the United Kingdom. Most international players will join the programme on a student visa. There are some important things to understand about how your visa status affects your involvement in first-team football:

Male players on a student visa are not eligible to play in our men’s first team competitive league fixtures. However, players at the required level will be given the opportunity to train with, and play in certain fixtures alongside, the first team. Once graduated, additional routes to first-team football may be explored on an individual basis. UK domestic students joining the programme are not subject to these restrictions.

Female players on a student visa are eligible to play for our women’s first team and will be given the opportunity to train with the squad and be part of the matchday squad, subject to the right fit for both player and team.

Our team will provide full guidance on the visa application process from the point of offer onwards.

The International Academy programme is a comprehensive package covering full-time football development, strength and conditioning, medical and physiotherapy support, video analysis access, and education at the University of Sunderland. Prices vary depending on your chosen educational pathway.

Get in touch with our team to discuss pricing tailored to your specific situation.