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Canterbury Christ Church University and Kent FA pledge to develop young female footballers in Kent

We're collaborating with Canterbury Christ Church University to support and develop young female footballers at Kent's first Emerging Talent Centre.

Canterbury Christ Church University is a key partner in the delivery of the ETC. The partnership with Canterbury Christ Church University will provide access to elite equipment and facilities at the new Verena Holmes Building and Polo Farm Sports Club.

It will offer specialist staff to support the girl's holistic development throughout their time on the programme. The University will provide direct sports science support from academics, exposure to specialist strength and conditioning training, workshops, fitness testing and performance analysis to complete the experience for the players.

The new ETC will operate for at least 30 weeks per season and be aimed at girls playing in under 14s, under 15s and under 16s. The girls will benefit from elite coaching and playing progression by signposting players to the FA Player Pathway - Discover My Talent.

Darryl Haden, Chief Executive of the Kent FA, comments, "This is an exciting partnership for the Kent FA and, more importantly, the ETC. Canterbury Christ Church University will add tangible impact and value to these young players, helping them to develop as players on their playing journey. We look forward to furthering this relationship over the upcoming months."

Dr Paul Carney, Director of Sport and Active Health at Canterbury Christ Church University, said: “We are delighted to work in partnership with the Kent FA to support and develop new talent across the county. We are passionate about ensuring equal opportunities for all, to succeed in an environment free from discrimination and where diversity and inclusion thrive. Using the power of football and the legacy of the Women's Euro 2022 success, this ethos is vital to developing the female game in and across the county.”

For more information regarding our Kent Emerging Talent Centre, please get in touch with Rebecca Moore, Football Development Officer (Women & Girls) at Rebecca.Moore@KentFA.com

To find out more about Kent FA partnerships, don't hesitate to contact Claire Whybrew (Marketing & Partnerships Manager) at Claire.Whybrew@KentFA.com