Young footballers in Kent are being given the chance to join a thriving football academy.

Maidstone United Football Academy is signing up students to start a two-year course from September. With all young people having to stay on in education, training or employment with training until they are 17 years old, demand for places has been high.

Players will be put through their paces at a trial session next Monday (18 February) between 11am and 1.30pm. Register for the
session by calling 01622 753817 or emailing lead tutor Alan Seamons – [email protected]

Students spend five days a week at the £2.9million Gallagher Stadium, studying for a BTEC Level 3 in Sport and a range of  football-related qualifications while learning more about the game, training to play and competing in one of four leagues.

The academy squads train daily – thanks to the stadium’s FIFA 2 Star Graded synthetic pitch, the highest grade in world football. Three teams are top of their respective leagues, including the high-profile Conference Youth Alliance. Five players play for semi-professional clubs and four have played for the Maidstone United first team this season.

Maidstone United chief executive Bill Williams said: “Any school leaver who’s serious about their football wants to be joining our academy. We can offer the best in coaching, education, facilities and leagues. It’s also an opportunity to be part of one of the most exciting clubs in non-league football. Some of the students have played for the first team in front of crowds more than 1,000.”

First team manager Jay Saunders added: “I’ve got strong links with the academy and get regular reports on the progress of players. The Conference Youth Alliance is a great standard of football and with the Ryman leagues at under 18 and 21 from next season, there are great opportunities for players to get noticed and considered for the first team.”

Along with the BTEC Level 3 in Sport, which can be the equivalent to three A-levels, students work towards FA coaching badges at Level 1 and 2, learn basic first aid and how to treat football-related injuries, as well as coaching disabled and junior players. On the field, there are prestigious friendly matches and this summer a team is taking part in a tournament in Germany.

For more information about the Maidstone United Academy – visit www.maidstoneunited.co.uk/academy.