The University of Sunderland strives to find the next generation of England Lioness cubs

Fresh off the back of England Women’s Euro 2022 success, the University of Sunderland is offering a unique chance to find the star female players of tomorrow.

Team Sunderland, the sports division of the University, has partnered with Sunderland AFC Women to offer scholarships to the next generation of Lionesses.

The University is looking for women playing in National League, NCAA or equivalent and are enrolling in one of the University’s many programmes.

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The scholarship provides an opportunity to play and train with an elite club under elite coaches, all while studying at a world class University.

Team Sunderland Sport Development Officer, Laura Hockaday, said: “This is a great opportunity for women to continue their football development alongside their studies. Football as a career doesn’t last forever and this scholarship will help provide security to those wanting to enrol on a degree course while they play football.

England footballer Jill Scott receives her honorary award from Sunderland University, during a ceremony at the Stadium of Light (DAVID WOOD)

“We’ve seen with the Lionesses’ success at the European Championships, where several of the team started their careers at Sunderland, that women from this region are capable of playing at the highest level and we’re hoping this scholarship will help to pave a pathway.”

Jill Scott, who played a key role in Sunday’s final, was made an honorary graduate of the University in July 2018. A former Monkwearmouth Academy pupil, Scott started her career with Sunderland AFC in 2004. She moved to Everton in July 2006 and made her England debut a month later.

The new scholarship also offers up to £1,000 of funding, sports massage and physiotherapy, nutrition advice, sport science support and access to the CitySpace, the University’s fitness facility, as well as a host of other benefits. The scholarship comes at a time of heightened awareness for the women’s game following the England team’s historic win against Germany at Wembley on Sunday.

For more information on the scholarship please email Laura at laura.hockaday@sunderland.ac.uk

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