New football academy nurtures young talent

Stockton Town Football Academy, delivered in partnership with Teesside University, is helping student athletes to achieve their academic and sporting goals.

The programme provides professional football training alongside an academic qualification, enabling both male and female players to access a dual career pathway.

Footballers can study across a wide range of disciplines, inside or outside of sport, while continuing to train and compete at a high level under expert coaches.

They are provided with a comprehensive care package that includes bespoke football-related activity, including coaching, scouting, conditioning, analysis, recovery and medical support.

Stockton Town Football Academy links into local football teams, with multiple players within the academy system already competing in semi-professional football.

Will Jones, Head of Sport at Teesside University, said: “Our Football Academy offers a platform where students can pursue their footballing dreams alongside their education.

“As a TASS Dual-Career accredited institution, Teesside University is committed to holistic development and ensures that students receive the support they need to excel both on and off the pitch.

“We are proud to work alongside Stockton Town FC on this shared vision.”

Liam Cox, Director of Football at Stockton Town FC, added: “The Football Academy is an opportunity for young footballers from anywhere across the world to come in and play at a high level with Stockton Town FC. While doing that, they get an unbelievable education from Teesside University.

“This gives them an opportunity to not only progress in their football career, but whatever it is they may decide to go on and do later on in life.

“We want the individual to be the best footballer that they can be. We want the team to be the best that the team can be. We want the person to be the best that they can be.”

Retired professional footballer and former Middlesbrough FC captain George Friend has long been a champion of youth development and community engagement.

He attended the Football Academy launch event alongside two members who received the George Friend Scholarship delivered through Teesside University.

George said: “I wanted to get a degree while I was playing to make sure I always had something to look forward to after football.

"Having spent such a long time at Middlesbrough and being part of the community, I wanted to give something back in that way and see a pathway for young players in the North East.

“I am really proud to be a part of this.”

George Friend Scholarship recipient Ella Baker is studying Sport and Exercise Science and plays for the Newcastle United U23 team.

She said: “The Football Academy was one of the reasons I applied for Teesside, as well as the additional support that you get while you're here.

“I would love to play football professionally, so receiving the scholarship means a lot. It'll help me keep going and hopefully reach that goal in the future.”

Thomas Birtles also studies Sport and Exercise Science and received the George Friend Scholarship.

He added: “I've been playing football for over ten years now. When I saw the scholarship opportunity, I thought I would apply because there was nothing to lose.

“When I heard that I had received it, I was over the moon and very excited because it's such a great opportunity.

“It means a lot because it shows that someone has put a lot of faith in me, and hopefully I can use the money well to help with my education and my future aspirations.”

Applications to join the Football Academy are now open. To apply, you must be either a current student or a Teesside University applicant who can demonstrate that you are performing at a high standard.

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