SSFC Home 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 players need to progress in the game.

About the Futures Academy

Academic success. Footballing excellence.

The Futures Academy is a premier partnership between South Shields Football Club and Mortimer Community College, offering talented young players an elite, five-year ‘football in education’ experience starting at age 11. Guided by expert teachers and full-time, locally renowned SSFC coaches, students balance a robust academic curriculum centred on core subjects (English, maths, science, humanities, and the arts) with up to 10 hours of professional football coaching each week. It’s a comprehensive, long-term programme designed to maximise both classroom success and athletic potential all the way through to the end of Year 11.

Louis Burns photographed with SSFC scarf.

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.

Football & education combined

A five-year partnership which balances elite athletic growth with a robust academic curriculum from Year 7 through to Year 11.

Pro-level coaching intensity

Students receive up to 10 hours of professional training each week, delivered by a dedicated team of full-time, locally renowned Academy coaches.

Elite pathway acceleration

A proven platform built to accelerate local talent, transitioning players into our 16-19 Academy or enhancing their progress within a professional club's EPPP system.

Tailored training

A flexible environment featuring a dedicated girls-specific program alongside mixed-playing opportunities to fit the individual development goals of every young player.

Programme structure

Training Sessions

Up to 10 hours coaching per week within school hours, delivered by SSFC's UEFA qualified coaches.

National opportunities

Entry into local, regional, and national competitions plus different game formats.

More than football

Opportunities to gain coaching and refereeing qualifications in Year 10-11, plus valuable life skills workshops.

Supporting quotes

“The launch of this initiative and partnership with Mortimer Community College was another important step in progressing our football club as an integral part of the South Tyneside community. We are determined to continue our momentum and to make sure the club is well positioned for success in all of our various activities.”

Geoff Thompson

SSFC Chairman

“The club is very much part of the South Shields community and this completely aligns with our standing as a school. This is a fantastic opportunity and we look forward to working with the club as they are very much a team on the march!”

Simon Hignett

Mortimer Community College Headteacher

"It’s a rounded, holistic approach that is about equipping young people with a blend of life skills and qualities that will prepare them for the uncertainty of the future, whether they go on to pursue a professional sporting career or to forge entirely different career paths.”

SSFC Head of Youth Performance and Development

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.

Register your interest

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

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.

Offer & enrolment

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

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 Home Academy to understand the full player pathway.

SSFC Academy

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

Explore Futures Academy

Hybrid Academy

For players aged 9-16 who have demonstrated standout abilities and are looking for a challenge.

Discover our Hybrid Academy

Apply Now

Express your interest in a Futures or Hybrid Academy place.