International Academy Player Ryan Dougherty Joins Birtley Town FC

We are delighted to announce that South Shields International Academy athlete, Ryan Dougherty, has joined Birtley Town FC.

Ryan joined us in September 2023 from NCAA Division 1 University Rider, where he played a crucial role in the International Academy’s 3rd place finish in their inaugural season in the National Youth Football League U23 North Premier.

Ryan also featured last season for Washington FC in the Northern League Division Two.

This season, Ryan was called up to train with the South Shields FC first team and featured in a match against EFL Championship side Sunderland AFC.

He was also a part of the Shields side that claimed the Sam Bartram Memorial Trophy against Boldon CA earlier this pre-season.

Adam Shaw, Head of International Academy, commented: “We are thrilled to see another one of our International Academy players embedded into a high level of men senior football here in the North East. The exciting nature of our games program allows us to give student athletes the maximum opportunity to develop in a range of match day settings, exposing them to different styles of play, different challenges and also playing in front of good crowds, to name but a few. Ryan has showed, through his time in the International Academy alongside his excellent pre-season both training and playing with the first team, that he has the capability of playing at a high level and Birtley Town will be a great opportunity for the next steps of his journey.”

South Shields International Academy wishes Ryan the best of luck for the upcoming season.