INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY
TESTIMONIALS
We are extremely proud of the feedback we receive. Scroll down to see what others are saying about our program!
PARENTS
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Pat
Bain
NCSA
Men’s Soccer Recruiting Coach
''I've had the fortunate opportunity to hold a variety of positions in the footballing realm, both in coaching and consultation, and I firmly believe in the avenues that South Shields are providing. South Shields offers a quality pathway to those student athletes who are deeply invested in their development and future. It's a unique opportunity abroad to be plugged into a full-time footballing environment and to be affiliated with an accredited institution that’s going to ultimately equip you for the next steps of your journey. For high-end players in different phases of their career, South Shields can provide an exceptional experience to progress you on to new levels.''
Tony
Robinson
Director at Galacticos Soccer Services
Father of Fulham and United States Men’s International player Antonee (Jedi) Robinson
“I am proud to be a trusted partner of the South Shields FC International Academy programme, as it is an exceptional experience, completely integrated into the club's successful, full-time professional environment. Had my son Antonee JEDI Robinson - USA & Fulham - not been offered a professional contract at 18, I would not have hesitated to enrol him in this programme (had it existed at the time). I am delighted to be playing a key role in the club's ambition to reach the EFL, and to have the best international academy in Europe.”
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Gary
Hamill
Head Coach – Wingate University, North Carolina (32nd season)
NSCAA National Coach of the Year 2016
“I visited South Shields Football Club in early February 2023, and personally spent a lot of time with all the staff that are involved with the International Academy program. I have to say that the vision and preparation that has gone into developing this project has been hugely impressive and the athletes who get the opportunity to access this program will get to work, day in and day out, with some fantastic people and within some tremendous facilities in a highly professional environment. This is a program that is purpose built for talented players with aspirations to play at the highest level. Every element of the provision is geared towards high performance and development, and aims to provide a pathway to professional soccer. The program is also situated in a beautiful part of the UK with a great combination of coastline, city life, and countryside all within 30 minutes travel so the players will enjoy an incredible life experience too.”
Brandon
Hollmann
General Manager - Stack Sports
“We are delighted and proud to be official partners of South Shields Football Club International Academy. We wholeheartedly believe that the opportunity they are providing for ambitious student-athletes to combine maximising their talent and ability on the field, with the opportunity to obtain a wide variety of different university level academic credentials, is a phenomenal option.
We have witnessed first hand the care and passion the club, and more precisely the people within it, have to deliver an outstanding experience to student-athletes.
To live the life of a professional soccer / football player is many young persons dream and to do that in England, the home of football, is a once in a lifetime opportunity, which we would encourage any passionate soccer athlete to take!”
Pat
Johnson
Founder- White Glove Goalkeeping and The White Glove Youth Foundation
When my partner, Tony Robinson, brought South Shield FC to my attention I knew there had to be something special about them. He only goes to where there is integrity and capability. And after meeting Lee and Adam it only confirmed my impressions. I have recommended and placed players in the SSFC International Academy and will continue to be a staunch advocate of their program and what it is all about. No need to hesitate here, SSFC is the real deal.
Callum
Ross
Player
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NCAA National Champion 2016 – Wingate University NSCAA
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All-American Team 2016
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Charlotte Independence FC 2017
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Oklahoma City Energy FC 2018-2019
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South Shields FC 2020-2023
“I cannot speak highly enough of my time at South Shields Football Club. The people, the facilities, the coaching, are all top class and any young player out there looking to develop themselves both on the field and off the field couldn’t wish to be part of a better environment. I spent 4 years on a top scholarship in the USA and then went on to play professional soccer over there too, so I fully understand the challenges of combining your academic studies with high level athletic training and competition. I can honestly say that the way the International Academy program at SSFC has been set up, and with the people that they have on board, this is an incredible opportunity for any young aspiring player from overseas to get an incredible experience that will help take themselves to the next level in so many ways.”
INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS
“The level and style of play has been much better than in the US… When you compare it to the cost of US schools and masters degrees, it’s incomparable.”
Click here to watch Ryan talk about his experience at SSFC International Academy.
Click here to watch Ryan talk about his first team experiences.
Ryan Dougherty
NCAA Division 1 Rider University
“The South Shields International Academy provided me with a once in a lifetime opportunity. Through the program I was able to take my game to the next level by training and playing at a very high standard, including representing the first team and playing against EFL Championship opposition, Sunderland. The football club has also opened up further opportunities for me to explore professional contracts on the back of the program with opportunities in both Portugal and America.”
Click here to watch Kwak talk about his first team experiences
Yeonhyuk Kwak
NCAA Divison 2 San Francisco State University
“It’s the best opportunity I have had in my life, I always dreamed of playing football in England, I have been able to achieve a lifetime goal… I would have loved this experience even sooner.”
Click here to watch Osman talk about his experience at SSFC International Academy
Osman Padilla
NCAA Division 3 Northland International University
PLAYERS
"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! I am very excited for my son and the young men he now calls his teammates!"
Rachel Miller - Mother of Brycen Miller
"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.
The coaching staff at South Shields FC International Academy has not only helped him improve his technical skills on the field but has instilled a strong sense of discipline, teamwork, and resilience. Meanwhile, Sunderland University’s academic framework has ensured that his education remains a priority, offering him the opportunity to earn a Master’s degree while experiencing the full-time football lifestyle.
One of the unexpected standout aspects of the program has been the media training, both pre-match and post-match, which has helped my son grow in confidence in handling interviews and representing himself and his team professionally. The camaraderie that has developed among the players is another key highlight; being part of a team with athletes from around the world has broadened his perspective and exposed him to different styles of play and approaches to the game.
The focus on strength and conditioning, combined with mental coaching, has made a massive difference in his overall performance and resilience, preparing him both physically and mentally for the demands of high-level football. Playing with South Shields' first team in matches against Sunderland and Gateshead during pre-season has been an incredible opportunity for him to experience the game at a higher level than ever before.
Additionally, the chance to play for North Shields has served as an apprenticeship, giving him invaluable experience in competitive matches and helping him understand the professional side of football.
We couldn’t be prouder of how far he’s come through this program. It’s been a transformative experience, and I’m excited to see where this journey takes him. I would highly recommend this program to any young athlete serious about pursuing both their sporting and academic ambitions!
We'd like to thank Adam, Lee, Duncan, Matty, Chris and Robbo on Jaiden's behalf for being instrumental in his development as a footballer and a young man."
Anthony Odle - Father of Jaiden Odle
Sending your kid off to University is one of life’s biggest milestones, for both students and parents. I’ve been slowly preparing myself for the last 18-years, but wasn’t expecting to be sending my son off to another continent.
From our first conversation with Adam and Lee, they understood the weight of our decision and set our minds at ease through the thoughtful design of the South Shields International Academy program. They described an environment that was both structured and nurturing to optimise a student-athlete’s experience, one that promotes personal growth with the safety of the support from the entire SSFC community. This community environment, coupled with their first-class football program, set South Shields apart from the wide range of other programs we evaluated.
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 Martin Nugent Strength and Conditioning program is second to none, which has led to our son’s accelerated recovery and fitness gains.
Despite the geographical distance, Adam, Lee, and the entire SSFC team have ensured we remain connected, informed, and maintained an open feedback loop the entire time. We are thrilled with the SSFC International Academy program so far and excited for what is to come.
Jennifer Mielnik - Mother of London Mielnik
