Gateshead F.C. Academy
Doing our region proud
We’ve been a proud part of Gateshead since 1930, helping promising players from our area and beyond forge a career in football. We’re now going one step further, developing an academy that will deliver for the club, for the fantastic footballing talent on our doorstep and for the communities of the North East.
To do this, we’ve partnered with experts in education. In our opinion there’s no one better than Gateshead College, the number one college in the North East and the only one in the region rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted.
Together we’re building an academy the whole region can celebrate. One designed from the ground up to produce well-rounded, highly skilled and educated young people capable of going on to do amazing things – whether that’s in our first team, behind the scenes at the club or away from the game entirely.
Academy teams
Our academy team structure is designed for 16-19 year old boys of all abilities and combines top quality coaching and training with an Ofsted outstanding quality of education.
Gateshead F.C. Academy U19s
As a top performing player you could score a place on our Gateshead F.C. Academy 19s team playing the best youth teams in the country with the opportunity to be talent spotted to the club’s first team. You’ll also study a specialist football programme designed to give you the skills, confidence and training for a long lasting career on or off the pitch. You’ll gain nationally recognised qualifications and develop the skills employers demand. You’ll also complete work placements at Gateshead F.C. giving you a real insight into all aspects of running a football club.
- Train full time at Gateshead Football Club
- Represent Gateshead Football Club in the Northern Alliance Premier league (seniors) & National League u19 Alliance
- Gain an employability qualification, a Level 2 Award in Employment and Awareness in Active Leisure and Learning
- Undertake a work experience rotation in roles related to running a successful football club, for example football administration and strength and conditioning.
Entry requirements
- Successfully pass a football trial under the eyes of the team manager.
- GCSE English and Maths a grade 9-4 (A*- C)
How to apply
To start your application to become part of the G.F.C Academy, complete the Contact Us form.
Upcoming events
Come along to one of our events to find out more about Gateshead F.C. Academy, the training and education we offer and how you can apply.
Meet the team
Our professional team of coaches and experts will ensure you’re at the top of your game, on and off the pitch.
Matty Pattison
Gateshead F.C. Head Reserves Coach
Ian Watson
Gateshead F.C. Assistant First Team Manager
Mark Spencer
Gateshead College Head Football Coach
Matty Pattison
Gateshead F.C. Head Reserves Coach
Pattison has appeared at the highest level of English football for Newcastle United and also made over 50 appearances for then-Championship side Norwich City from November 2007 to August 2009.
The South African then spent five years back in his native country with Mamelodi Sundowns, Engen Santos and Bidvest Wits before joining the Heed in October 2014.
He went on to make 54 appearances for the club across two seasons, scoring four goals before moving on to Blyth Spartans in 2016 and then South Shields in 2017.
The midfielder is still an active player and currently plies his trade with Northern League Division One side Whickham.
Ian Watson
Gateshead F.C. Assistant First Team Manager
Ian has played 82 times for Blyth Spartans, scoring twice and also represented Spennymoor Town, Darlington F.C. and Whitley Bay F.C. in the Northern League and Northern Premier. Ian joined Gateshead F.C. in 2016 as a strength and conditioning coach.
Mark Spencer
Gateshead College Head Football Coach
Mark was appointed as Head Coach of the Gateshead Academy in October 2020. He holds the UEFA A Licence, FA Youth Award and Level 2 in Futsal. Mark is also a qualified lecturer and understands the importance of education within the sports industry.
Mark’s former roles include Academy Manager at York City FC and Academy coach at Middlesbrough FC. He was in charge of the football development programme at Newcastle College and then moved on to assist Neil Maddison in the Football Academy at Middlesbrough College.
Academy success
Talented academy players are scouted to the Gateshead F.C. First team, playing the game they love on a professional level.
Tom White
Midfielder
DOB: 09/05/1997
Appearances: 30
Goals: 2
MOTM: 2
Jon Mellish
Defender
DOB: 19/09/1997
Appearances: 32
Goals: 1
MOTM: 1
Jon progressed to Carlisle United F.C. in May 2019
Elliot Forbes
Midfielder
DOB: 16/05/99
Appearances: 8
Contact us
To start your application to be part of the G.F.C. Academy, please complete the form below.
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