Sunderland A.F.C. Academy is the collective name for the youth development squads of Sunderland Association Football Club, primarily the U18 and U21 teams. Sunderland have an 'Elite' Category 1 football academy based on the Elite Player Performance Plan and their teams are members of the Professional Development League.
Entrance to the Academy of Light
Martyn Waghorn playing for Sunderland U18s in 2007
Jordan Pickford an academy graduate, represented England at every level, from U16 to senior
The 2016–17 Premier League International Cup was the third season of the Premier League International Cup, a European club football competition organised by the Premier League for under-23 players.
The Stadium of Light in Monkwearmouth, Sunderland hosted the final