Council Leaders Praise Community Impact of South Shields FC and Its Growing International Academy

South Tyneside Council Leader Tracey Dixon & Deputy Leader Jane Carter, With Commercial Director Carl Mowatt, Head Of International Academy Adam Shaw & International Academy Players Tanner Johnson & Jaron Adams.

South Tyneside Council Leader Councillor Tracey Dixon and Deputy Leader Councillor Jane Carter visited South Shields FC’s 1st Cloud Arena this week, where they met with club representatives and players to learn more about the positive impact the club and its International Academy are having on the local community.

They were welcomed by Adam Shaw, Head of the South Shields International Academy, and Carl Mowatt, the club’s Commercial Director. Also in attendance were international players Jaron Adams from Utah and Tanner Johnson from Rancho Palos Verdes, California, who shared their experiences of training and studying with the Academy.

Councillor Dixon and Councillor Carter were full of praise for the club’s ongoing work in the borough, highlighting how the International Academy is not only attracting talent from across the globe but also bringing wider benefits to South Tyneside. These include boosting the local economy, promoting cultural exchange, and inspiring local young people by showing what’s possible through hard work and opportunity.

They also heard about the Academy’s exciting plans for growth, including a goal to more than double its intake of international students for the 2025/26 season—building on an already successful year both on and off the pitch.

The International Academy recently wrapped up a strong season, with the men’s team finishing second in the league. This year also marked the official launch of the Women’s International Academy programme. Several female players from the inaugural intake have already made appearances for the first team, contributing to the club’s historic FA Cup run, which saw South Shields Women’s FC reach the Second Round Proper for the first time in its history.

Council Leader Councillor Tracey Dixon said, “Welcoming International students to South Shields Football Club is vital for South Tyneside. These students bring diverse perspectives and talents, enriching our community both on and off the field. Their presence fosters cultural exchange, promotes inclusivity, and strengthens our local economy. By integrating international students into our football club, we not only enhance the team's performance but also build lasting global connections that benefit our borough”

Carl Mowatt, Commercial Director at South Shields FC, added: “I am delighted to see the progress the International Academy is making. It makes the whole club very proud, and to have the support from the Leader of South Tyneside Council, Deputy Leader, and other councillors just adds to what we are all about—as a borough that thrives on the community spirit in South Tyneside.”

The visit reflected a shared ambition between the council and the club: to continue growing the game locally while ensuring that the people of South Tyneside feel the benefits every step of the way.