Press Release from Sunderland AFC:
City of Durham Youth FC and Sunderland AFC have entered into a unique
agreement which will see budding young footballers at the Durham club
benefit from Sunderland’s coaching experience and the facilities at the
Academy of Light.
The aim of this agreement is to develop coaching expertise at the Durham
club and to ensure that it’s young footballers reach their full
potential.
City of Durham Youth FC currently fields teams in the Russell Foster
Youth League at every age group from under 8s to under 15s and the
agreement covers all players across all age groups.
The new agreement commits Sunderland AFC to provide specialist support
to City of Durham Youth FC in coaching and developing their players.
This includes:
* youngsters being coached by Sunderland staff a number of
times each season
* access to medical support for football related injuries
* allowing City of Durham Youth FC coaches to observe
training and coaching methods at Sunderland
* SAFC coaches working with City of Durham Youth FC
coaches to develop specific training programmes.
Commenting on the new agreement City of Durham Youth FC Chairman Dr
Graham Donachie said:
” City of Durham Youth FC has always placed great emphasis on its
coaching and this is an important step forward for our Club and an
exciting opportunity for our coaches and players.
” We’ve been very impressed with the coaching methods at Sunderland and
the new Academy of Light is an amazing facility.
” This agreement confirms City of Durham Youth FC as a leading youth
football club.”
Sunderland’s Academy Director Kees Zwamborn said:
” We are only too happy to support the development of young footballers
in the area and the partnership with City of Durham Youth FC allows us
to do just that.
” This agreement means that we will be aware of the talent that is out
there in our local area while also allowing us to nurture this talent
and develop it to it’s full potential.”