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 education at the North East of England's leading institutions.

About the International Academy

Football. Education. Experience.

South Shields FC has partnered with several leading education institutions to offer a select 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 foundation course for high schoolers, an undergraduate degree, or a master’s degree.

Players train where the first team trains, access the same facilities, and in some cases train and play alongside the men’s first team squads.

How to apply

Group of International Academy students in red bibs.

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

Coaching from UEFA-qualified coaches with experience at the highest levels of the game. Individual development plans, GPS tracking and VEO video analysis.

Top class education

Study alongside your football training. Choose from our high school programme, undergraduate degree, or master's degree across a wide range of subjects.

A rich and varied life in the North East

Beaches, cities, countryside, culture, and some of the warmest communities in England, all within 30 minutes of Wolf Competitions Stadium.

Meet our coaches

Mike Williamson

Team Manager

Darren Williams

Head of IA Recruitment

Kris Thackray

Head of International Academy

Testimonials

Mother and footballer son photographed sat together underneath SSFC photo on wall.

"The decision my son made to move to the UK to play for SSFC and study at the University of Sunderland, I believe, is and will be a great decision for his future. I personally attended the trainings to observe how they were run. The coaches are professional and have a goal in mind for each player. The facilities are well maintained and top-notch. This program is giving each athlete the ability to pursue any opportunities presented to them both academically and the pitch."

Rachel Miller, mother of Brycen Miller

Anthony Odle photographed with his son, Jaiden Oden, who is at the SSFC grounds in the home kit.

"As parents, watching our son's journey through the student-athlete program run by South Shields FC in collaboration with Sunderland University has been nothing short of incredible. The combination of top-tier coaching, academic support, and personal development opportunities has truly shaped him into a well-rounded individual."

Anthony Odle, father of Jaiden Odle

Jennifer Mielnik, mother of London Mielnik, photographed in front of a South Shields banner.

"Since joining the team, our son’s experience has been tailored to best fit his individual needs. Recovering from knee surgery, we’ve had firsthand experience with the best-in-class Physiotherapy services that SSFC offer, which introduced us to advanced rehabilitation and preventative care techniques purposely designed for football-related injuries. The Strength and Conditioning program is second to none, which has led to our son’s accelerated recovery and fitness gains."

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, the 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.