at , Sunderland , SR6 7 United Kingdom
<p>The <b>Academy of Light</b> is the name of the UEFA five star certified <a href="/pages/w/108275485872759">training facilities</a> and <a href="/pages/w/110704458951593">youth academy</a> for <a href="/pages/w/105955176103450">English</a> <a href="/pages/w/110712185623365">football</a> club <a href="/pages/w/112180642126826">Sunderland A.F.C.</a></p><p>Officially opened in March 2003, the Academy of Light is a state-of-the-art training facility located in of land (60 acres dedicated to football) in <a href="/pages/w/112068342143543">Cleadon</a> - just north of <a href="/pages/w/108271542535228">Sunderland</a>. It replaced the aging <i>Charlie Hurley Centre</i>, located nearby. The site is used as the primary training facility for the first team, but is also used to train the youngsters in Sunderland's <a href="/pages/w/107087839327582">youth system</a>.</p><p>Costing over £10 million to build, the site was the focus of protests from local residents who were angered at the development on a <a href="/pages/w/127125753996817">green belt</a>. In the course of a seven-year battle, proposals were withdrawn, two <a href="/pages/w/106488996053394">public inquiries</a> were launched, Sunderland appealed against decisions on three occasions, and ultimately the site itself does not conform to <a href="/pages/w/104037332965749">Football Association</a> Academy standards - meaning alternative arrangements had to be made for an indoor pitch.</p><h2>Academy Status</h2><p>The club gained academy status despite not having an indoor training pitch onsite, as a result Sunderland compete in the FA Youth leagues. These requirements are wide-reaching, and include indoor and outdoor training facilities, education provisions, and dedicated youth training areas.</p>
156 FB users likes Sunderland Academy Of Light, set it to 153 position in Likes Rating for Sunderland, Cumbria, United Kingdom in Local Business category
Sunderland Academy Of Light is Sunderland based place and this enity listed in Sports Venue & Stadium category. SR6 7.