Hewitson promoted to Head of Academy by Sunderland
Written by
Simon Austin
June 19, 2026
John Hewitson has been promoted to Head of Academy by Sunderland after seven years with the Black Cats.
The 44-year-old has been part of the Academy at the Stadium of Light since 2019, most recently working as an Individual Coach and Player Developer. He succeeds Robin Nicholls, who left at the end of 2025/26 to become Academy Director at New York City FC in the City Football Group.
Hewitson, who joined the Black Cats from Hartlepool in May 2019 as Lead Youth Phase Coach, said: “I am incredibly proud to take on this role at such an exciting time for Sunderland AFC.
“Having worked within the Academy for a number of years, I have seen first-hand the dedication of our players, staff and families, and the important role the Academy plays within the football club and the wider community.
“We have a strong foundation in place and a clear vision for the future. Our aim is to continue creating an environment that challenges and supports young players to maximise their potential, while ensuring the values and identity of Sunderland AFC remain at the heart of everything we do.”
Director of Football Florent Ghisolfi said: “The Academy is a fundamental part of Sunderland AFC’s identity and our future. Following Robin’s departure, it was important for us to consider the outstanding talent we already have within the Club, and John stood out as the right person to lead the next chapter.
“Promoting from within is about more than continuity, it is an expression of our identity. It is about recognising people who understand our culture, our community and what this football club represents. We are building an elite development environment, and having leaders who share our values is essential to that process.
“The progress of players such as Chris Rigg, who continues to perform at the highest level with our first team in the Premier League, demonstrates the importance of a strong Academy pathway.”
Interim Chief Executive Tom Burwell added: “Our commitment to the Academy remains stronger than ever. We are determined to provide the best young talent across the region with an environment that allows them to maximise their potential, both on and off the pitch.
“That commitment goes beyond coaching and player development. This summer’s investment in our training ground forms part of a wider multi-year investment programme designed to enhance our infrastructure and create the very best conditions for our players and staff.
“The Academy is a vital part of Sunderland AFC’s future, and John’s appointment reflects our belief in the strength of the work already taking place across the football club. We look forward to supporting him as he leads the next phase of its development.”
Meanwhile, Nicholls has officially started his role at New York City FC after three-and-a-half years as Sunderland Academy Manager.
Writing on LinkedIn, he said: “A few weeks ago, my family and I packed up our lives, left Sunderland, and moved across the Atlantic.
“What attracted me to NYCFC was not just the ambition of the club, but the opportunity to help shape an environment where young people can thrive, dream bigger, and realise their potential. Nowhere in the world can you dream bigger than in New York.
“There will be plenty to learn, plenty of listening to do, and plenty of work ahead. That’s exactly how it should be. Now, a new chapter begins.”
Sunderland placed 17th in the most recent edition of TGG’s Academy Productivity Rankings, covering the 2024/25 season — a rise of five places from 22nd the year before.
Their climb reflects the growing first-team profile of players such as Rigg, the 18-year-old midfielder who progressed through the Academy and is now a Premier League regular for the Black Cats.
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