Hugely popular former Middlesbrough defender George Friend is playing a starring role in supporting talented young players with the launch of the Teesside University Football Academy.

Friend, who now plays for Birmingham City, has been back on Teesside in recent days to launch the Academy, and has told of his "vision" as he helps to develop the next generation of young male and female players.

Friend started discussions with the university about the Academy before the pandemic and although he went on to leave Boro for Birmingham, the 35-year-old, who loves Teesside and still calls it home, was desperate to still be involved.

With Friend's help, the Football Academy will develop the next generation of footballing talent in the region, providing exciting opportunities for progression into semi-professional and professional career pathways.

It will allow Teesside University students to study in their preferred discipline, inside or outside of sport, while continuing to train and play at a high level.

Scholars are provided with a holistic care package that includes 10 hours per week of bespoke football-related activity, including coaching, conditioning, analysis, recovery and medical support and will be in close contact with Friend.

The student athletes will also benefit from the university’s strong links with local clubs, including Middlesbrough, Middlesbrough Women’s FC and Stockton Town. As part of the support package, they also have access to Teesside’s state-of-the-art facilities, including a hydrotherapy pool, 4G pitch and biomechanics and physiology labs.

Friend said: "This has been quite a long time coming. I thought covid would decimate the idea, but it's amazing that everyone at the university has kept the ball rolling with it. They see the same vision as I do. It can benefit the area and young people here.

"The football club and the university are the main focal points of the town and it's so important for the area that both are flourishing.

"With hard work and dedication, these young athletes could be equipped for promising careers in football – whether that’s on the pitch or in the backroom.

“But, ultimately, whether it’s in professional football or not, I would love to see graduates finish university with the confidence to take on a significant role in their chosen industry.

"The most important element for me is that I want these young men and women to enjoy their journey, that's the most important thing.

"There's no better place in the North-East to do that, I believe, than this university. It has had so much money put into it and there are so many good people working here. As it develops, the hope is other sports can follow."

The new Football Academy is open for applications for the 2023-24 academic year.

Applicants should be able to demonstrate a track record of success in football and contribute positively to football at Teesside University through performance.
Find out more at www.tees.ac.uk/footballacademy.

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