The squad worked with over 200 pupils at the school
The Gillingham FC Marsh Football Academy squad were back out in Kent last month, coaching young children from St Nicholas CE Primary Academy in New Romney.
Members of the Post-16 Academy team led sports sessions for years 3, 4, 5 and 6, working with over 200 pupils at the school.
The squad ran six different coaching stations for the children, focusing on different aspects of fitness and agility. They were supported by teaching staff at the school to make it an engaging and fun-filled afternoon for the pupils.
The coaching session marked the start of a partnership between Gillingham Football Club Community Trust (GFCCT) and St Nicholas. Four pupils from St Nicholas will be taking part in the next SHAPE-UP cohort, which starts at the end of April.
Barry Cooper, GFCCT South Kent Development Officer, said of the event; “As St Nicholas is one of the linked primary schools for the Marsh Academy, it was a great opportunity to show the children the opportunities and options they have for secondary school. By having the Marsh Academy boys come to the school, we hope to have broken down any barriers and made the transition to secondary school for the Year 6 pupils smoother.
“The Marsh Football Academy boys are currently working towards their FA Level 1 coaching award, and so this was also a great opportunity for them to start preparing for that qualification.”
Hilary Andrews, School Business Manager at St Nicholas, thanked GFCCT and the Marsh Football Academy for arranging the visit, and confirmed that the day was a real success, and the students thoroughly enjoyed themselves.
You can find out more about our Marsh Football Academy here.