FOOTBALL TRIALS
SUNDERLAND AFC ACADEMY Information on everything relating to latest football trial opportunities. Includes the academy contact, process of applying for possible academy opportunities and trials procedure, scholarship availability and your chances on joining this academy. Improve your football progression - Register on our website today! SUNDERLAND Academy ratings, reviews, trial opportunity stats, staff ratings & more.... Academy Overall 8/10; Academy Staff 8/10; Academy Players 7.5/10; Facilities 8/10; Academy Status Catagory 2; Academy Ages U6 to U23+; Community U6-U8; Foundation U9-U12; Youth Development U13-U16; Scholarships Age 15 to 19; Professionals Players from Age 16+; Gifted/Talented Trials Opportunities - Seasonal; Academy Scouts, Staff 40+; Academy Players 200+; Overseas Trials Opportunities - TBA; Trial Chance Score 66%; Accept player CV - Yes; Formal trials procedure & contact provided - Yes; Website access gives you over 100 trials and 1000 clubs Sunderland Football Club, with its rich history and commitment to youth development, offers a clear pathway for young talents aspiring to become professional footballers. The club's Academy of Light is a state-of-the-art facility, boasting Category One status under the Elite Player Performance Plan, which is the highest level possible in the UK. This reflects the club's dedication to nurturing young players, providing them with top-class facilities, including a hydrotherapy pool, medical care, and both indoor and outdoor pitches. The academy is not just about football; it emphasizes the holistic development of its players, ensuring they grow academically and socially. The educational component is taken seriously, with full-time scholars embarking on an Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence, which includes a Level 3 NVQ Diploma and a BTEC Level 3 in Sport. This approach aligns with the club's belief in lifelong learning and the importance of a supportive environment where players can experiment, make errors, and express themselves. Trials at Sunderland FC are a gateway for talented individuals to showcase their skills and potentially join the ranks of this prestigious academy. These trials are conducted regularly and are designed to be inclusive, allowing players of all abilities to participate. The club's scouting network is always on the lookout for emerging talents, and the trials are a perfect opportunity for young footballers to get noticed. For those interested in the women's game, the Sunderland Emerging Talent Centre, part of the FA's initiative to make the game more diverse and inclusive, offers a structured player pathway starting from Wildcats sessions to the Player Development Programme. The centre runs for 30 weeks over the season and includes matches and a festival, complementing grassroots team play with additional high-quality training. Sunderland AFC Women also runs a Professional Game Academy for 16-21-year-olds, further highlighting the club's commitment to developing female football talent. With such comprehensive programs and facilities, Sunderland FC continues to be a beacon of opportunity for young footballers in England and beyond. For more information on trials and the academy, interested parties can visit the Foundation of Light website or the official club guide. For those looking to join the Sunderland FC football academy, the club offers a structured pathway for young talent to develop their skills and potentially progress to professional levels. The academy conducts trials, providing opportunities for aspiring footballers to demonstrate their abilities. Interested individuals can contact the academy for trial information and registration details. The official Sunderland AFC website provides contact information, including phone numbers and email addresses for inquiries. Additionally, the Foundation of Light, associated with Sunderland AFC, offers various programs and courses for different age groups and may also have information on trials and talent development initiatives. It's advisable to reach out directly to the academy or visit the official Sunderland AFC website for the most current and detailed information regarding trials and contacts. BOYS SCHOLARSHIP TRIALS In Year 11? Interested in studying while playing football next year Come along to our trial to earn your place in the squad Book your place Below is evidence Sunderland FC Official Academy follow Tony's Soccer School on Twitter and Tag us in to promote their football trials. Sunderland AFC Official Scholarship social media account follows us on social media and tags us and asks us to promote certain media posts about it football scholarships. Whilst it does not endorse us or do we have official affiliation to Sunderland, it goes a long way to showing we are held in high esteem and respect to help promote scholarships and football trials to our members. Sunderland Football Academy The club’s Academy of Light opened its doors in 2003 and is rightly considered amongst the best football training facilities in Europe. The club’s players have access to magnificent facilities, including a hydrotherapy pool, top-class medical care and an indoor barn featuring a 4G synthetic pitch as well as up to 18 outdoor pitches. The low-profile buildings are deceptive – the lower floor is completely below ground level and packs in more than can be imagined from the outside! It’s a far cry from the club’s previous training ground, the Charlie Hurley Centre, which was made up of temporary buildings including an old cricket pavilion. The Academy aims to be professional, approachable and friendly and will give young players the best chance to develop on the pitch as well as socially and academically. We have a responsibility to develop young players in a challenging, safe and supportive environment with committed and experienced members of staff. We strive to create an environment where developing players are encouraged to experiment, make errors and express themselves. A system is in place which allows young players to progress to the first-team squad if they are prepared to work hard, be open-minded and stay committed. Players will be treated fairly and will receive advice and feedback as part of a holistic approach which will produce young men and footballers we can all be proud of. The educational development of every young footballer is a key part of Academy life, and we take our commitment to education seriously. We firmly believe in lifelong learning and the holistic development of every Academy player. This, together with our opinion that success is a journey not a destination, forms the foundation of our mission statement. All full-time scholars embark on an Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence (AASE). The apprenticeship is comprised of a Level 3 NVQ Diploma plus an educational component. Most scholars will study for a BTEC Level 3 in Sport as part of their education and this is equivalent to two A-Levels. The scholars also graduate from the Academy, whether to the professional game or elsewhere, with a referee’s qualification and an FA Level 2 Certificate in Coaching Football. The Academy is home to all the club’s representative teams, from the youngest age groups through to the U18, U21 and senior squads as well as the Sunderland Ladies team. Send a full players CV for trials to Academy ManagerSunderland Foundation Football Trials
Sunderland Road
Cleadon
SR6 7UN
OUR PHILOSOPHY
Sunderland AFC
Stadium of Light
Sunderland
SR5 1SU
Below are old football trials now passed
Here is the full selection of Football Trial dates being offered by
this Club. Abilities, Ages, Levels.
HARTON TECHNOLOGY COLLEGE
Lisle Road
South Shields
NE34 6DL
Monday 3rd - Tuesday 4th August 2015
10am - 3pm
Previous Trials
Apply for Football Trials, Dates, Information & Academy
Entry Requirments >> Here
Popular Sunderland Trials return this Easter.
Foundation of Light are offering aspiring footballers from
across the North East the chance to follow in the footsteps
of their Sunderland AFC heroes this Easter.
The club's registered charity is holding open trials for boys
aged five to 16 on April 13, 14, 15 at the Black Cats'
training base, the Academy of Light, offering young
players the opportunity to take part in coaching
sessions and games led by the Foundation's coaches
and observed by club scouts.
Sessions will be running from 10am until 3pm on
Monday April 13 and
Tuesday April 14th for boys aged five to 11 (Year 1 to Year 6)
and from 10am until 4pm on Wednesday April 15
for ages 12 to 16 (Year 7-11).
Everyone who takes part will receive individual
feedback about their performance, with all players
signposted to additional opportunities and the
most promising being referred to the Foundation led
Player Development Squads and the Academy of Light
for possible further training.
Michael Havelock, Foundation of Light's Sport and Play
Curriculum Lead, said: “This is a guaranteed opportunity
for aspiring young footballers to be seen by professional
scouts and coaches from the Academy of Light and to
receive direct feedback and advice on their performance.
“For those who play particularly well it could also open the
door to more opportunities.”
Places on Foundation of Light’s Open Trails are strictly limited
and entry is charged at £30 per person for
five to 11 year olds and £20 per person for those
aged 12 to 16. For more information or to
book call 0191 551 5191.
Proceeds will be used to help fund Foundation of Light's
wide range of sport and education-based programmes,
which benefit thousands of children, young people and
families across the North East every year.
Contact details relating to contacting this Club
PREMIER LEAGUE STANDARD TRIALS
A selection of Football trials offering trials for ability players in the Premier League.
FOOTBALL TRIALS IN TYNE & WEAR
SUNDERLAND FC Play in the local area, you can find more Football Trials in this area.
Here are more Football Clubs offering trials at Premier League Clubs
PREMIER LEAGUE CONTACT ADDRESSES
Contact addresses & information for clubs in the same league.
Find trials by searching your local County including a Number of Countries.
FOOTBALL TRIALS BY PLAYING ABILITY.
A list of clubs offering trials, enabling you to find the trial that meets your playing ability.
Your selection of Football trials for a variety of clubs by date order.
You can choose all football trials by age groups. Select the age group
relating to your age playing requirments.
PLAYERS REGISTERED. All registered players with Tony's Soccer School, who are seeking or attended
or playing at the same level, Ability and Location as this Club.
Add your CV. You can join Tony's Soccer School and add your CV and submit it here
SUNDERLAND FC TRIAL LOCATIONS
Locations of Football trials where they are operated from relating to this club.
SUNDERLAND FC YOUTH & ACADEMY
Information relating to everything concerning the youth and acdemy of the club.
ACADEMY
Information of Other Premier League Academies
SUNDERLAND FC ACADEMY PLAYERS
SUNDERLAND FC COACHING STAFF
JOBS AT SUNDERLAND FC
Got a question regarding joining the Academy? Find out the answer here.
Q: Can I come to the Academy for a trial?
A: Before a player can be considered for a trial, they must register with a local youth team. Once you are playing regular football, forward a copy of your fixtures to us and we will arrange for a scout to monitor the games.
If the scout's reports are favourable, we would then contact the club secretary and parents to request permission for you to attend a trial. Players who are over 17 years old cannot trial with the Academy and should send their details marked for the attention of the first team's chief scout.
Q: At what age does the Academy start?
A: Boys can be signed on Academy forms at the age of nine. Younger boys can attend Development Centres or can be invited to attend training days.
Q: What are the stages of a trial?
A: Players who are invited to attend the Academy may trial for a six-week period. During the trial, the coaching staff will assess the individuals and an invitation to continue may be offered, or the player will return to his youth club and will be monitored by the scouting staff.
Q: What happens at the end of the trial?
A: Players who are invited to trial at the Academy and are successful will be offered the opportunity to sign on an Annual Academy Form.
Q: I live outside of the North East of England. Can I still come for a trial?
A: Players under 14 who live out of area can still be offered trials. See the questions above for further advice.
Q: Can I come along to the Academy for some training with the coaches?
A: Unfortunately only boys who are invited to attend or are signed to the Academy can receive training from the Academy coaches.
If you would like to find out about information on community coaching courses in your area, please see the Foundation of Light section of the website.
Q: What is a Development Centre?
A: The Development Centres are the stepping stone from 'Youth Football' to 'Academy Football'.
They are an important part of the transition from youth football to playing within an Academy. Without this stepping stone, young players may find the leap too great a challenge and not receive the opportunity to maximise their potential.
The purpose of the Development Centres is to provide a localised training programme to prepare and assess young talented players in anticipation of them making the step up to Academy football. Development Centres are available to boys who have firstly been identified by a scout.
Q: I run a youth team and I'm looking for somewhere to play our games. Can I hire a pitch at the Academy of Light?
A: Unfortunately we do not have pitches available for hire. Please speak to your local council who will have details of facilities available in your area.
Q: I'm a girl looking to play for the Academy. What are the procedures?
A: Unfortunately at this time we do not run any girls' teams at the Academy. If you're interested in girls' football please contact SAFC Foundation or Sunderland WFC
If we have not answered your question, please email
Sunderland Football Academy is developed in order to invest in upcoming footballing talent and provide the network, coaching, health and lifestyle advice that each player needs to make a successful career in football. If you are looking for a career in football, and live in the Sunderland catchment, then your best chance will be to join Sunderland Academy.
About Sunderland Academy
Sunderland Academy offer an advanced football development and education programme supported by expert and dedicated staff. Sunderland Academy is located at: The Academy of Light, Sunderland Road, Cleadon, SR6 7UN
Sunderland Academy use advanced technology and coaching methods to develop their players. They are actively looking for upcoming talent to join their academy, and are very selective about who gets in, as competition is tough.
With the changes that have taken place in the football academy system. Academy Category one clubs are now free (U12+) to recruit from all over the nation.
Previously, Category one clubs could only recruit talent within a 90 minute travelling time to the academy, but the FA have reconsidered this following thinking that the best talent should only fairly be allowed to play in the best academies even if they do not live nearby. This gives the very best talent the very best chances of success, thus growing our home grown talent for the international stage.
This has seen a rise in host families being recruited at Sunderland Academy, to help house young promising talent in safe family environments.
Upcoming Fixtures at Sunderland Academy
Sunderland Academy has a whole programme of upcoming activities, fixtures and events. Check the times of each match or look up the match venue for any of the " target="_blank">Sunderland Academy age group.
How to get a trial at Sunderland Academy
You must be selected to have a trial at Sunderland Academy, so it is important that players are spotted in the right places at the right times. For some players, they prefer a direct approach sending in links to videos of themselves playing football, but it is worth bearing in mind that clubs receive thousands of these videos each week and simply don’t have time to watch them all and go about their daily business, so the most effective way of getting scouted for a trial at Sunderland Academy is to join a Sunderland Soccer School. Scouts regularly select young players from soccer school sessions and invite them to trial at the development centres for Reading FC, and anyone can play in their soccer schools so it offers an open door for all to get spotted.
It is also particularly good planning to take your child to soccer schools as soon as they are old enough, as their competition will be doing the same, so it enables them to develop their talents in line with the same level as their peers.
How to get scouted by a Sunderland Academy scout
Sunderland Academy scouts offer players the chance to trial. Many players are lucky enough to find themselves in the right places when scouts are watching games, but Sunderland are also very aware that good talent can slip through the net, so do offer players the chances to directly contact them with the below details.
Understandably they are unable to respond to everybody due to the volume of applications, but this does serve as an effective way to alert scouts about talent looking to take their football to the next level and secure a trial for Sunderland Academy.
To get scouted for a trial at Sunderland Academy simply collect the following information:
Players CV
Covering Letter
Players Vital Statistics: Players position, Age, Date of Birth, Height, Weight, contact email/phone/address, current club, previous clubs, detail of any trials already attended, any representative honours such as school, districts, county etc
Players school they attend
Fixture list of your current team, including location and kick off time to be passed to scout
Once you have collated all of the above information, email Sunderland Academy via this address:
Sunderland Academy will assess your application and decide whether or not to send a scout to watch the game.
Syllabus at Sunderland Academy
The training programme at Sunderland Academy is broken into technical and tactical training, with a special module for Goalkeepers. The below demonstrates:
The professional development phase at the Sunderland Academy
The youth development phase at the Sunderland Academy
The foundation phase at the Sunderland Academy
The youth / professional development phase at the Sunderland Academy
The foundation development goalkeeper phase at the Sunderland Academy
Professional Development Phase at Sunderland Academy
Outfield Players – Technical
Passing – Playing forwards through tight passing channels
Receiving the ball – Receiving the ball in the air to pass in the least number of touches
Passing – Generic passing practises to move the ball on two touches
Running / Dribbling with the ball – Developing the 1st touch to break through a variation of receiving surfaces
Running / Dribbling with the ball – Variations in the dribble to advance in 1 v 1’s
Shooting – Shifting the ball to get shots off under pressure
Passing – Keeping the ball moving for a long period of time
Manipulating the ball – Shifting the ball across the body with a variation of surfaces
Turning – Turning away from pressure and protecting possession of the ball
Outfield Players – Tactical
Possession (Playing out from the back) – Midfield rotation to receive high and low open up passing channels
Possession (Retaining the ball to penetrate) – Working in front or behind opponents to retain the ball looking to play forwards
Possession (Game management) – Playing with and against an overload (the extra man)
Attacking (Counter attacking) – Breaking from the defending third
Attacking (Centrally) – Playing between lines and breaking lines with and without the ball
Attacking (Wide areas) – 1 v 1’s, 2 v 2’s to create goalkeeping opportunities
Defending (Individual) – Approach to the ball dependent on the opposition and area of the pitch
Defending (Groups & Units) – Defending later and deeper
Defending (Making play predictable, Regains and Possession Decision) – Pressure as the team/group hunting the ball for quick regain
Goalkeepers
Goalkeeper support – Variety of passes and support for players in possession
Goalkeeper support – Awareness of best option looking to penetrate with distribution
Goalkeeper support – How the goalkeeper can affect the state of the game
Goalkeeper defending – How to deal with 1 v 1 situations in game situations
Goalkeeper defending – Early shots always being set in and around the box
Goalkeeper defending – Positioning and decision making in dealing with the cross
Goalkeeper communications – Organisation and support to the defender
Goalkeeper communications – Communications to players away from the ball
Goalkeeper communications – Developing the goalkeeper to compact
Foundation Phase at Sunderland Academy
Outfield Players – Technical
Protecting the Ball – Setting the scene for receiving on the safe side – guidelines for success
Passing – Short, quick and high tempo passing in small groups
Receiving the Ball- Developing the set as part of link play to move the ball forwards
Turning – Developing turns under passive pressure to include disguise
Shooting – Longer distance shooting relevant to the age of the group
Running / Dribbling With the Ball – Long and thin practices to practice breaking into space from a dribble or receiving the ball
Shooting – One touch finishing around the goal on angles with pressure approaching
Passing – Passing within larger areas focusing on techniques to a longer pass (floor / aerially)
Manipulating the Ball – Quick foot movements to manipulate a small skills ball
Outfield Players – Tactical
Possession (Individual) – Developing players to receive the ball and maintain possession on their safe side
Possession (Group Play) – Develop players to receive and play away from pressure in small groups
Possession (Directional) – Possession / wave practises maintaining the speed of the ball from start to finish
Attacking (Individual) – Changes of direction and speed to beat opponents
Attacking (Groups) – Small group attacking practices (4v4, 5v5). Movement/combinations to create and exploit space
Attacking (with/against overloads) – Small sided games working on creating and exploiting space on the transition
Defending (Pressure the Ball) – Basic principles to approaching a player in possession
Defending (Small Groups) – Possession based practices focusing the change of roles based on the movement of the ball
Defending (Regaining to Play) – Regaining the ball and countering to a scoring conclusion
Goalkeepers
Goalkeeper support – Passes and throws to start play
Goalkeeper support – Choosing the best distribution option
Goalkeeper support – Using the ball quickly after making a save
Goalkeeper defending – Throw ball situations and close range shots
Goalkeeper defending – Attacking the ball and parrying away to safe areas
Goalkeeper defending – Making recovery saves within the game
Goalkeeper communications – To defenders individually and as part of a unit
Goalkeeper communications – Developing the ability to be clear and concise
Goalkeeper communications – Start positions in relation to the ball
Goalkeeper Youth / Professional Phase at Sunderland Academy
Goalkeepers – Technical
Distribution – Out of the back to the best option and supporting the play
Crossing – Dealing with deep crosses into the 18 yard box and transition to distribute
Shot Stopping – Into line and down the line of the ball for angled strike
Handling – Dealing with low balls around the set position inclusive of the 1v1 encounter
Shot Stopping – Dealing with low, medium and high dives from a central and angled strike
Crossing – Dealing with crosses centrally and to front post areas
Shot Stopping – Dealing with close reaction shots, double and triple saves
Distribution – Technique of starting counter attacks, choice of delivery
Crosses – Dealing with crosses centrally and to the back post area
Goalkeepers – Tactical
Goalkeeper support – Start play using a variety of passes and providing angles for support for players in possession
Goalkeeper support – Awareness of best option looking to penetrate with distribution
Goalkeeper support – Managing the game and understanding how the goalkeeper can affect the state of the game
Goalkeeper defending – Dealing with 1v1 game situations
Goalkeeper defending – Dealing with early shots always being set in and around the box
Goalkeeper defending – Positioning in relation to the ball, decision making on dealing with the cross
Goalkeeper communications – Organisation and support to the defender (clear and concise information)
Goalkeeper communications – Communications to players away from the ball
Goalkeeper communications – Developing the goalkeeper to compact play through the line taken by the defending players
Goalkeeper Foundation Phase at Sunderland Academy
Goalkeepers – Technical
Handling – Footwork set in position with a variation of serves
Distribution – Playing out from the back from feet and hands, providing angels of support
Handling – Variation of handling practices concluding with penetrative distribution
Shot Stopping – Dealing with 1v1 encounter
Shot Stopping – Low, medium and high diving sales from central
Distribution – Technique of longer distribution for feet and hands (classic counter attacks)
Shot Stopping – Speed of movement across the goal in the line down the line of the ball for an angled strike
Handling – Technique of dealing with low balls in and around the body
Crossing – Basic technique and positioning (in relation to the ball) covering balls into front middle far areas
Goalkeepers – Tactical
Goalkeeper support – Using a variety of passes and throws to start play
Goalkeeper support – Choosing the best distribution option
Goalkeeper support – Using the ball quickly after making a save
Goalkeeper defending – Dealing with through ball situations and learning how to deal with cross range shots
Goalkeeper defending – Attacking the ball and parrying away to safe areas in game situations
Goalkeeper defending – Making recovery saves within the game
Goalkeeper communications – Communication to defenders individually and as a unit
Goalkeeper communications – Developing the ability to be clear and concise
Goalkeeper communications – Set positions in relation to the ball
Join Sunderland Academy
For direct communication with the Sunderland Academy, you can visit the Sunderland Academy website.
