St Gregory's Football Academy

Introducing St Gregory’s School Football Academy

The St Gregory’s Football Academy is offered to a limited number of girls and boys in Year 7. In order to secure a place in the Academy, interested students are invited to take part in a Football Academy trial which takes place after they join the school in September. Any students who are selected for a place in the St Gregory’s Football Academy will attend a weekly session which takes place during one of their timetabled PE/Games lessons.

Football Academy coaching focuses on the development of the individual player. Students are exposed to a vibrant football environment which aims to promote both the skill and technical ability of the players in a range of different game scenarios including ball manipulation, distribution, movement on and off the ball, decision making, phases of play and game understanding.

In addition to the Football Academy programme, there are also a number of extra-curricular football sessions held at lunchtime and after school for all students. The school also enters teams into the very competitive local West Kent League, as well as county and national cup competitions.

Proud of our success

We are proud of the development of our school football teams and, over the years, St Gregory’s have enjoyed a wide range of success in both girls’ and boys’ football including Cup triumphs. Students have been selected to represent West Kent Schools’ District Football Association, as well as boys and girls playing in teams such as Arsenal FC, Crystal Palace FC, Millwall FC, Gillingham FC, Charlton Athletic FC and Brighton & Hove Albion FC. We also have students who have been selected to represent the England National team 

How much does it cost?

Students who choose the Football Academy will be encouraged to purchase the Academy kit. We appreciate it is an expensive time of year so we have tried to reduce costs where possible. If students already own a West Kent tracksuit, it may be used. 

Why are there trials?

To ensure sessions are not overcrowded, and that students receive the best coaching experience, there are a limited number of spaces available in the Football Academy. Trials for the Football Academy take place in early September and information is sent to parents at the start of the term. If your child is unsuccessful, they will still have a number of opportunities to participate and play football at St Gregory’s.

Experiencing the professional game

As part of the Football Academy, students will have the opportunity to experience two significant football-based tours. In Year 8, students partake in a European football tour, where they experience coaching from a professional club and what it would be like to be a professional player.

Recent trips have been to FC Porto, Real Madrid and Manchester City where students enjoyed training sessions with club coaches, competitive matches against local players, as well as a first team match and cultural visits.

In Years 11 and 12, students have the opportunity to travel to New York and play in the New York City Cup. This allows them to compete against teams from around the world, as well as experience exciting sightseeing opportunities in New York.

Success recognised locally and internationally

Since 2014, St Gregory’s Football Academy has become extremely successful, with local and international recognition for the programme and teams regularly becoming West Kent champions.

Deputy Headteacher, Mr Bradbury, has spoken at conferences in the USA to share the success of the Academy.

Opened in 2018, our 3G playing surface ensures football continues throughout the year and the St Gregory’s Sports Hall (newly opened in 2021) includes changing facilities and is located near to the 3G.