AliousJobe Bellingham believes that Sunderland is now seen as the ideal destination for young footballers looking to develop their careers. The teenage midfielder, who has played a key role in the club’s youth-driven approach, was recognized for his performances when he was named joint winner of the Young Player of the Year award at the North East Football Writers’ Association’s annual awards ceremony, sharing the accolade with teammate Chris Rigg.
In recent years, Sunderland has made a significant shift toward nurturing young talent within the first-team setup. Bellingham, still only 18, has already surpassed 100 senior appearances, while his 17-year-old teammate Rigg has played over 50 games for the club. They are just two of several young players who have become integral to Sunderland’s first team, alongside the likes of Anthony Patterson, Dan Neil, Trai Hume, Dennis Cirkin, and Tommy Watson.
Bellingham, who arrived from Birmingham City during the early stages of Sunderland’s youth-focused project, now sees the club’s reputation for developing young players gaining wider recognition. Speaking at the awards ceremony at Durham’s Ramside Hall Hotel, he highlighted how Sunderland has established itself as a prime destination for emerging talent.
“This award just shows how much the club has improved when it comes to nurturing young players,” Bellingham said. “It’s now a key part of the club’s identity, and the fans fully support it. We feel that backing on matchdays, and there’s a real sense that Sunderland is a great place to be right now. That’s credit to everyone involved, from top to bottom. The fact that two of us have won this award just proves the club’s commitment to developing players and bringing out the best in them—not just me and Riggy, but plenty of others in the squad in recent years.”
He also suggested that Sunderland’s growing reputation could help attract even more promising youngsters. “I think this shows that for any young player looking for a place to grow, Sunderland is a fantastic option. You get the chance to develop, play for a massive club, gain valuable experiences, and improve both as a footballer and as a competitor.”
Bellingham’s rise at Sunderland has been rapid, and he is now regarded as one of the Football League’s most promising talents. Early in his career at Birmingham, he was inevitably compared to his older brother, Jude Bellingham, but since moving to Wearside, he has forged his own identity. His maturity and professionalism have been key to his success, allowing him to make the most of the opportunities he’s been given.
“I’ve been lucky to have coaches and managers who have trusted me, both here and at Birmingham,” Bellingham reflected. “There have been setbacks along the way, but experiencing those challenges has been crucial for my development. Sometimes things go well, sometimes they don’t—but what matters is learning from every experience. That’s helped me improve from season to season, and I want to keep pushing myself to get better. Talent alone isn’t enough; the real question is, can you keep improving? That’s something I take pride in, and it’s what motivates me moving forward.”
This mindset of continuous improvement is something Bellingham shares with Rigg, whom he has been particularly impressed with since joining Sunderland.
“I’d heard about Riggy before I arrived,” he admitted. “But since coming here, he’s the player who has impressed me the most. Playing alongside him and Dan Neil, I’ve seen firsthand how talented and hardworking they are. Riggy, in particular, trains every day like he’s desperate to improve. His ambition and drive stand out, and that’s what will ensure he keeps progressing. Talent is important, and he has plenty of it, but his hunger and determination are what really set him apart.
“These are the kind of players you want to play with. Riggy fully deserves this award, and if he keeps working the way he does, he’s got a bright future ahead of him.”
Alious
