New academy kicks off with a win

The new academy at Ryman Premier leaders Margate kicked off their preparations for the 2014-15 campaign with a hard fought victory over London-based side Air Soccer FC.

The Margate Football Academy will be playing in a friendly league against the likes of Charlton Community Club and West Ham Community Club when it launches this week.

In July, officials at Hartsdown Park announced that they would be working in partnership with Soccer Coaching Limited (SCL) who’ll be providing the educational element of the course this season with students studying for a BTEC Diploma in Sport and qualifications in maths and english. As well as their academic studies, students will get the opportunity to be coached by Margate's head of football in the community, Wayne Wilson.

In a goalless first half last Friday, the Kent club’s youngsters fell behind just after the break but stormed back to win 3-1 with a brace from Toar Hughes and a strike from Daniel Galbraith.