The GFC Community Trust will provide PE and football sessions
Saturday’s game against Scunthorpe saw the official launch of the partnership between Gillingham Football Club Community Trust (GFCCT) and The Dartford Schools Football Association.
The partnership means that GFCCT coaches will provide high quality PE and football sessions at all Dartford FA affiliated primary schools. The programme is being supported by the Premier League Primary Stars Programme and the Kent FA Skills Team.
The partnership has already seen great success, with seven players coming through Dartford Schools FA and into the Gillingham Football Club Academy, including Jude Arthurs who has recently signed for the Gills as a first year scholar.
Simon Hodge GFCCT Head of Football and Sports Development explained: “The partnership has given us the opportunity to work alongside a partner with an excellent reputation in Dartford. This has enabled us to support the development of school sport, and give opportunities to players who demonstrate the qualities to progress into our academy.”
Darren Phillips, Chairman of Dartford Schools FA, added: “It’s great to have a direct link with a professional club as a pathway for the children who demonstrate potential to progress into an elite environment. We are also very happy to work with one of the Kent FA's accredited football providers; this ensures the highest standards of delivery.”
Players and staff from The Dartford Schools FA were welcomed to MEMS Priestfield Stadium for the launch, and got to enjoy watching the Gills’ record-breaking win!
Find out more about the GFC Community Trust on Twitter via @GillsCommunity, or contact us on GFCCT@priestfield.com.