The Kent Football Association (Kent FA) is one of only five county associations to be awarded funding from The Football Association (FA) to run a new Kent Girls Emerging Talent Centre (ETC).

The new initiative plans to identify and develop talented players from eight to 16 by providing elite coaching, supplying access to elite equipment and facilities at the University’s new Verena Holmes Building and specialist partner facility, Polo Farm Sports Club. It will offer dedicated staff to support the girls' holistic development throughout their time on the Kent FA programme. The University will additionally provide direct sports science support from academics, exposure to specialist strength and conditioning training, workshops, fitness testing and performance analysis to complete the experience for the players.

The Kent Girls Emerging Talent Centre will see the total number of young female players engaged in FA programmes across the country rise by the end of the 2023-2024 season.

The new Kent ETC will operate for at least 30 weeks per season and will commence from September 2022. Five key areas will underpin the centre:

• Better accessibility
• More inclusivity
•  Reducing the impact of early selection
• More focused investment
• Providing more appropriate challenges

Earlier this year, the Premier League confirmed it will provide £1.75 million per annum for the next three years to support the new network of Girls’ ETCs.

The Kent ETC will be aimed at girls playing in under 14s, under 15s and under 16s, and will provide additional elite coaching with the ambition to signpost players to the FA Player Pathway - Discover My Talent. Players will be able to register their interest for trials in September.

Rebecca Moore, Football Development Officer (Women & Girls) is excited to offer this provision in Kent. "Having an ETC in the county will provide opportunities for talented young girls in Kent, with a local, high-quality training environment to supplement their current football journey,” she said.

“It is an exciting new opportunity for girls in Kent to come together and experience elite-inspired training. The girls will enjoy access to increased playing time through a high-standard games programme across various formats, including futsal, small-sided games and full-format games. Players will have support to grow as individuals and players, which they can apply at their football club or other footballing environments. There are many positives for the girls to get involved with this programme!"

Darryl Haden, Chief Executive of the Kent FA, added: "This is an exciting partnership for the Kent FA and, more importantly, the ETC. Canterbury Christ Church University will add tangible impact and value to these young players, helping them to develop as players on their playing journey. We look forward to furthering this relationship over the upcoming months."

Canterbury Christ Church is also launching its Football Academy in September 2023, with both a male and female cohort to cater for increased engagement in women’s football at the University.

For more information regarding our Kent Emerging Talent Centre, please get in touch with Rebecca Moore, Football Development Officer (Women & Girls) at Rebecca.Moore@KentFA.com