Jermain Defoe strengthens Sunderland connections with launch of new academy

Former Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe is to ''give something back' to Wearside with a new football academy in the region.

Jermain Defoe has strengthened his links with Sunderland by setting up a football academy at East Durham College.

The striker was a hugely popular figure on Wearside, scoring 34 goals in 87 games in a two-year Premier League spell, and he says he hopes his new academy can ‘give something back’ to the region that he fell in love with during his playing days.

The Jermain Defoe Football Academy will launch in September 2024 and aims to provide 16-18-year-old students, both male and female, with the opportunity to develop their football talent and to thrive academically with tuition from highly experienced sport lecturers at East Durham College.

On the pitch, students will develop their skills through regular training with UEFA-licensed coaches, including former Sunderland AFC defender Darren Holloway and of course special sessions with Defoe.

Students will also get access to a range of other benefits, including performance video analysis, onsite physiotherapy, strength and conditioning training and the opportunity to compete in regional leagues and national cup competitions.

Off the pitch, students will study on a Sports Coaching and Development Level 2 or Level 3 programme designed to develop academic, leadership and employability skills. This programme will provide real working environments and opportunities for students to progress to higher education, apprenticeships, full-time employment and US scholarship pathways.

“This new Academy is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time,” said Jermain Defoe.

“I’ve been really lucky to have an amazing career in football and now it’s all about giving back to the next generation for me.”

“The Academy will give students who love football opportunities they could only dream of, training with some of the best coaches in the area; EDC is the place for college football training in the North East.”

Jermain Defoe is no stranger to East Durham College; he has been working with the college and the Bradley Lowery Foundation for some time offering holiday football camps for local young children through the Winners Camp powered by Jermain Defoe. These camps are always extremely well-attended and are also supported by the sport lecturing team and sports students from East Durham College.

Defoe added: “The facilities at East Durham College are absolutely amazing for anyone interested in sport. They’ve got some of the best grass pitches in the region, a full-size floodlit 3G pitch, double-size sports hall and their own on-site gym. What more could someone interested in sport ask for?”

Chris English, Curriculum Director of Professional Studies at East Durham College, is also thrilled to be working with Defoe and to welcome this exciting new Academy to the college.

“While the college has always had an incredible football offer, this new partnership with Jermain will help take the college to new heights.

“We want EDC to become the premier place for football training in the area, and with this new Jermain Defoe Football Academy, we know it’s going to happen,” Chris said.

Students who will be starting in Year 12 and Year 13 this September, who are interested in joining the new academy, can do so by signing up for the special trial day on Wednesday 3rd April, 1pm to 3pm, which Jermain will be attending.

Free tickets are available via Eventbrite and can be booked here or search East Durham College Events.

You can sign up for a trial on 3rd April at the Jermain Defoe academy here