As the year draws to a close it gives us time to reflect on what has been a challenging but rewarding year for everyone at the International Academy. The year started with us introducing three new players, Isrrael Morelas arrived from Canton, Ohio, Tim Barney joined us from Austin, Texas and Jayce Nielson joined us from Kittery, Maine. The three new players integrated straight into the inaugural squad and continued the success that had been building throughout the season, these players helped us achieve a second-place finish in the league in just our first season. The season finished with our end of season awards ceremony held at 1st Cloud Arena, a fantastic event saw Cai Pritchard pick up top goal scorer and players player, Osman Padilla receive most improved player, David Mighten picked up managers player and finally our most valuable player award went to Yeonhyuk Kwak.
Our first ever Around the World in 90 Minutes event preceded the awards ceremony, an event which saw us celebrate the international culture of the academy over the course of 90 minutes, the event was a resounding success with a variety of food vendors arriving at 1st Cloud Arena and for the young Mariners to showcase their footballing ability to the fans of the club.
With the start of the 24/25 season coming soon after the award ceremony, we welcomed a host of arrivals from all around the world, with 27 new players joining the international academy and a mix of both male and female it was the start of a hugely exciting period in the history of the academy. The start of the season also saw a new staff member join the club, we were delighted to welcome Sophie Clough as Head of Women's Football, Sophie hit the ground running for both the international academy and the women's first team. The first team has had a historical FA Cup run, reaching the second-round proper for the first time in the club’s history, the run helped Ashley Townsend be introduced on a national stage, scoring two goals against Halifax in the first-round proper earning her the Baller of the Round trophy.
Finally, on the male side, a tough start to the league and cup campaign saw the squad narrowly lose their opening day games, however they have bounced back in phenomenal fashion, they are up to third in league and have taken 15 out of a possible 18 points available in the last games, Joao Costa has been leading the way. Joao is currently the third top scorer in the National Football Youth League scoring 12 goals in 9 games. The male squad has seen 20 new student athletes join in September 24 alongside the 16 that joined in September 23, these players integrated into the squad prior to the initial players graduating their master’s degrees.
From everyone at the International Academy and South Shields FC we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all of our staff, players, fans and volunteers and hope to see many more of you in 2025!
If you are interested in our September 2025 intake, we still have a limited number of Gap Year, Undergraduate and Masters/Postgraduate places available on a range of student-athlete courses. Register your interest now by pressing ‘contact’ at the top of the page and filling out your details!
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