Soccer Elite FA are excited to announce the launch of the Swale Post-16 Education & Football Programme, in partnership with Sheppey United Football Club.
Running out of Sheppey’s outstanding TPL Group Stadium from September 2023, students will study, train and play under the guidance of SEFA’s tutors and coaches, who have been delivering Post-16 Programmes for over a decade.
Our Swale centre becomes Soccer Elite’s fourth Education & Football Programme site, joining SEFA College Star Meadow, Maplesden Noakes and UKAT (Chatham Grammar / Brompton Academy) in the SEFA stable.
Lee Radford, SEFA’s Education Programme Manager, said “We are thrilled to launch this new Programme in Swale.
“Sheppey United made a proposal for us to come in and take over their existing post-16 setup, and it quickly became clear after discussions between both parties that this would be an arrangement that works for the Swale community, Sheppey United and ourselves.
“We are committed to providing the best post-16 football provision around, and this agreement broadens our reach within Kent and gives another region a local SEFA centre. By combining our expertise in coaching and education with Sheppey’s exceptional facilities and pathway into step 4 football, we believe together we can offer an unrivalled and outstanding proposition to the young people of the Isle of Sheppey, Sittingbourne and the surrounding areas.
“Meanwhile, with the Swale site being a Soccer Elite venue, the opportunities that Sheppey United can provide extends to all of our students across our sites, creating another outstanding pathway into senior football for SEFA players.
“In fact, we have already seen a number of SEFA players play for Sheppey over the years; Lekan Majoyegbe, who played every minute last season and won the Ites players’ player of the year, was key part of our UKAT Post-16 Programme, and Josh Wisson held a similarly influential role at our Maplesden Noakes centre. Bailey Catherick, who has been in and around the first team as a 18-year-old, is still a student with us at Soccer Elite.
“We are looking forward to developing more players on and off the pitch and can not wait to get started!”
Sheppey United CEO Shelley Holtam added “We are incredibly excited to be partnering with the leading elite independent academy in Kent, Soccer Elite FA.
“We are very proud to be able to offer all 16-19 year old students in Swale the highest quality of education and football coaching. SEFA have a rich history in youth development and to bring this expertise to our football club will create a wealth of new opportunities and experiences, while demonstrating the our commitment to driving our football club’s 16-19 provision to the next level.
“As part of the Programme the coaches will monitor the students, giving them the opportunity to learn and develop their skills as part of our Swale campus and, if ability allows, to play in the SEFA elite squad at Star Meadow.
“We have always endeavoured to develop confident individuals both on and off the pitch. We are looking forward to working with students who are enthusiastic and committed and will benefit significantly.”
SWALE POST-16 EDUCATION & FOOTBALL PROGRAMME • KEY INFO
• Study, train and play on-site at the home of Sheppey United, the TPL Group Stadium
• Coaching delivered by Soccer Elite FA
• Education delivered by Jace Training and Soccer Elite FA
– Jace Training have worked in education for over 40 years, and have successfully partnered with Soccer Elite FA for the past five years
– BTEC Level 3 in Sport, NCFE Level 2 Sport and Maths and English Functional Skills Level 2 courses delivered
• Open pre season sessions taking place every Friday at the Total Power Stadium from 11.00am – 12.30pm
If you are currently in year 11-13 and would like to express an interest in joining our September 2023 intake, please fill in the form below.
