Club and college team up to give young people sporting chance of success

Two North-East winners are teaming up to give more young people a sporting chance of success.

Bishop Auckland College Group and Bishop Auckland Football Club have signed a partnership agreement that will benefit both organisations and the wider community.

The move follows a record-breaking year for The Bishops – 2023/24 Northern League champions – and the college, which was recently named the best in the North-East and second in the country for apprenticeship achievement.

Under the new agreement, the college’s Woodhouse Lane campus will become home to a new Bishop Auckland FC training centre. Plans are also underway to develop a pathway for talented local footballers to nurture their skills and progress into the club’s first team.

This will be supported by a calendar of holiday clubs and elite training camps and a wide range of community activities jointly delivered by staff and players from the club and the college.

Shaun Hope, Principal & Chief Executive of Bishop Auckland College Group, said: “Over the last few months the conversations between the club and the college have shown that we both want the same things – a successful and prosperous Bishop Auckland and South Durham.

“This partnership will see us work closely on a number of projects across football, business and community.”

Steve Coulthard, Chairman of Bishop Auckland Football Club, added: “Bishop Auckland Football Club is delighted to announce the partnership with Bishop Auckland College Group.

"Shaun has been keen to get this over the line since he took over the role as Principal and we both have similar ambitions for both the club and the college. We have both had an excellent year so far and want to keep the momentum going.

“The plans sound fantastic and exactly what we want at the club to move us both forward to attract both players and students.”

In addition to the football and community plans, the partnership will look to support the local business community with an education and training offer delivered at the Vest Construction Stadium and discounted to all college and club business partners. More information on this new offer will be announced soon.