King James I Academy has renewed their partnership with Shildon AFC and Bishop Juniors FC, enabling the development of grassroots football in the Bishop Auckland area.

The agreement will see Shildon AFC first Team, who currently play in the Northern Premier League, undertake their training sessions at the Academy, whilst it is anticipated their Reserves will play their home matches in the Wearside League Division 1 at the Academy. The partnership also provides a progression route for elite footballers in the Academy Sixth Form, with the potential to represent Shildon in the future. A number of our Sixth Form students have previously gone on to sign contracts with the Railwaymen.

Bishop Juniors continues to grow, developing more teams at different age groups. Using King James I Academy as their base enables them to utilise some of the best facilities in the area to develop the stars of the future and grow the game at a grassroots level.

Simon Whitehead, Headteacher at King James said, “We are proud to continue our relationship with Shildon AFC and Bishop Juniors, and to enable even more young people to participate in our national sport. I am confident that all three members of the partnership will go from strength to strength in the coming years and we wish the very best of luck to the Shildon and Bishop Juniors teams for the coming season.”