Kent neighbours team up to launch academy

Ryman South Sittingbourne and their League One neighbours Gillingham have teamed up to launch a new football and education academy next season.

Designed for 16 to 18-years-olds with aspirations to play at a high level while earning academic and coaching qualifications, the academy will be based at Woodstock Park when it opens in September.

Thanks to links being forged with Sports Recruiting USA, students will also have the opportunity to travel across the Atlantic to use top class training facilities and gain nationally recognised qualifications on scholarship programmes.

The Brickies are now looking forward to hosting three trials for prospective students on Thursday 26 March, Thursday 23 April and Thursday 21 May at Woodstock Park.

Hailing the launch of the joint initiative, Sittingbourne's assistant secretary Peter Pitts said: "We believe that this is a fantastic opportunity for 16-18 year old students in the Swale area who have real aspirations about playing football at a higher level to also further their academic studies."

For more information contact David Brown on 07795 465384 or email: sittingbourneyouthfc@outlook.com.

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