scholarship programme

Overview

We are excited to announce our Whitstable Town FC Academy Post-16 Education & Football programme in partnership with The Whitstable School. 

Whitstable Town FC Academy is a two year, full-time football and education academy programme for 16-19 year olds, fully integrated with the Whitstable School. The academy provides young players with a progressive football coaching environment that meets the standards of professional and semi-professional football clubs. It offers unparalleled opportunities to develop and progress in the game through local grassroots and semi-pro clubs, universities, US college soccer scholarships and beyond.

Study Program & Qualifications

• Range of A-Levels at The Whitstable School (25 + different courses)
• NCFE Level 3 extended diploma in Sport & Physical Activity through Sports Connect
• Level 3 in Sports Coaching & Performance 

Why Choose?

Study a range of A-Levels at The Whitstable School ( 25 + different courses ) Study a NCFE Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport & Physical Activity through Sports Connect

Full-time training programme run by UEFA qualified coaches with extensive football experience and connections with semi-professional and professional clubs

• Full Player Analysis using the state of the art VEO system, tracking players in training and matches
• Full-time education
• UEFA A coaching
• Level 3 in Sports coaching & performance
• Play in the National League U19 Alliance
• Play in the FA Youth Cup
• Fixtures against professional clubs
• Fitness performance tracked by StatSports
• Pathways into Apprenticeships – Full-time employment – University – American Scholarships – Spanish and Portuguese professional football 
• Pathways into Whitstable Town FC First Team and Reserves

Education

The Whitstable School

The Whitstable School have developed an innovative and fresh approach to sixth form studies, offering a modern and dynamic experience for our students. With a clear commitment to the personal development and well-being of each individual, they support students in selecting a programme that suits their specific strengths, interests and abilities and provides clear routes of progression for their future. 

They offer a unique approach in that they build their own curriculum around their students. They provide a full range of both vocational and academic courses, including traditional A-Levels and Level 3 vocational qualifications. They have the highest expectations for our students, and place the utmost importance on supporting them to meet their full potential. From socialist sports resources; their own dance theatre, study spaces, and excellent IT provision. 

You can choose from 25 different A-Level courses, more details on the Kent Prospectus website or click beow to view Sixth Form/College courses available at the Whistable School:

Sports Connect

Sports Connect is a registered NCFE and 1st4Sport approved centre. Offering high quality tutors, learning support assistants, who offer a supportive, caring and meaningful education in a non-traditional setting ensuring all students receive meaningful qualifications in order to progress. Students will study a NCFE Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport & Physical Activity.

It is our strategic objective to work in collaboration and true partnership with other key organisations to provide greater opportunities and support, for young people and adults from across Kent, the Southeast and afar. As an official NCFE, 1st4Sport and a Kent FA Licensed Football provider, we aim to create fun and interactive sports, health and education programmes for a range of audiences and clientele groups. These can be adapted and flexible to meet the needs of the environment, individuals and wavering landscape within our four cornerstones Education & Training, Community & Health, Sports Coaching & Development & Restorative Practice.

As a team, we believe that using this structure will enable an inspired, educated and motivated workforce to be developed. The unique connection we develop with our cohorts enable them to become self sufficient which increases their employment and social status. Our vision is to connect our learners to these three core values. This culture means in each session each learner feels a sense of purpose, pride and belonging in their learning and development.

Football Training

Whitstable Town Football Club has an established history of developing semi professional footballers from its local community. We aim to create as many educated and talented athletes as we can to push into the Whitstable FC first team and even higher.

Coaching and Opportunities

• Play in the The National League U19 Alliance, FA Youth Cup, SCL Youth Development League, Schools Academies League
• Fitness performance tracked by StatSports 
• Daily training from highly qualified UEFA coaches
• Connections with semi-professional and professional clubs
• Full Player Analysis using state of the art VEO system, tracking players in training and matches
• Guidance on individual football fitness
• Regular appraisals to monitor development both on and off the pitch
• Nutrition plans, Gym plans and Stretching plans
• Pathways into American Scholarships, New Zealand, Australia, Spanish and Portuguese professional football

There will be a subsidised cost for purchasing training kit at the start of the season. Further details about this will be provided upon the player’s acceptance into The Football Academy.

The Coaches

The Football Coaching is provided by us (Football Futures) and run by Director & Head Coach Josh Algar, Head Coach Mark Bradley, Assistant head coach Josh White and Lead Coach Karl Chapman.

Josh Algar

Director & Head Coach

Josh is a UEFA B Qualified coach with over 13 years coaching experience and 21 years football playing experience and is a scout for premier league & CAT 1 club Crystal Palace FC.

Josh has a vast background in the football industry and was signed to Professional Club Leyton Orient FC for three seasons. He trialled at the following Premier League Clubs when he was younger: Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham and Fulham FC, whilst also being signed to Millwall FC as a youngster. He then went into semi professional football and played for a numerous amount of clubs in the non league pyramid. This gives him fantastic knowledge to pass onto players who are trying to make the big step into professional football.

Mark Bradley

Head Coach

Mark is a UEFA A license coach and specialises in strength & conditioning, recently being Walsall first team’s strength & conditioning coach, as well as the first team coach.

Mark comes with a wealth of experience, having played professionally for Walsall FC & Rotherham FC, playing over 200 professional games and winning league 2 and league 1 as a player.

Josh White

Assistant Head Coach

Josh is a UEFA B licence coach and holds a wealth of experience, which reflects his strong commitment to coaching excellence and player development.

As operations manager, Josh will play a key role in driving forward our team development, and day-to-day delivery – helping ensure our vision continues to grow.

Karl Chapman

Lead Coach

Karl is a Level 2 football coach and is very experienced in football coaching in Kent. He previously played semi professionally for Faversham, Chatham and other teams in the non league circuit.

Karl is also a fully qualified personal training and gym instructor and takes the players through strength and conditioning sessions in line with their weekly programme.

The Application Process

1. BOOK YOUR TRIAL
   • Book trial
   • Provide the information requested
2. ATTEND TRIAL
   • Demonstrate your skills
   • Successful players will be offered an interview
3. INTERVIEW
   • One hour Education interview
   • Your chance to ask any questions about our football and education programme and show your passion for sport
4. PRESENTATION
   • For you and your parents
   • Hear about our football and education programme
   • Meet our academy coaches and SCL tutor
   • Understand your exit routes when you graduate from our academy
   • Ask any questions

If successful you will be given a conditional offer, then accepted, depending on your results in August.

Upcoming Trials

Our next Whitstable Town FC Academy recruitment trial is being held on:

Coming soon

Our next Hythe Town FC Academy recruitment trial is being held on:

Coming soon

Our next Sixth Form open evening for The Whitstable School is being held on:

Coming soon

Our next Sports Connect presentation evening is being held on:

Coming soon

Success Stories