SUNDERLAND AFC has withdrawn its grassroots community football coaching courses for youngsters.

The Coca Cola Championship side, which has had to make cutbacks since relegation from the Premiership two seasons ago, said the scheme had operated at a loss for some time. It said last night that eight full-time coaches had been made redundant.

A club statement said: "It was projected that this loss would increase further in the next 12 months and Sunderland AFC felt it inappropriate to continue to sustain a six-figure shortfall.

"The club is fully committed to the local community and through the club's charitable arm, the SAFC Foundation, still retains 25 full-time community staff, 17 of which deliver football coaching on a daily basis.

"This figure also includes teachers, health and youth workers, family learning workers and development staff."

The club's initiatives include classrooms at the Stadium of Light, a bus that goes to schools, youth clubs and estates, and satellite centres in run-down parts of County Durham.

Former Scunthorpe player Bob Oates, the scheme's manager for seven years, said former Sunderland favourite player Nick Pickering was among those made redundant and that 20 other coaches had lost their work.

Mr Oates said he was disappointed at the way the situation had been handled by the club and said the coaches intended to launch their own scheme.

"We are launching a six-a-side league at Thornaby Community School for adults 16 and over. Anyone interested should call 07939 259176."