New Line Learning Academy offers a supportive and positive environment that encourages all students to Believe and Achieve, and the Foundation will be specifically supporting the Personal Development Pathway Programme that’s offers students the opportunity to take part in enrichment activities to support their person development and growth.

The GFC foundation will be delivering an academy coaching programme throughout the academic year, as well as a range of workshops highlighting the many career opportunities in professional football beyond the player pathway.

As well as the weekly curriculum programme, students will have the opportunity to take part in unique experiences that include playing at Priestfield Stadium, Q&A sessions with playing and staff and attending matchdays throughout the season.

Toby Waters (Foundation Community Manager)

“It’s great to get the partnership up and running and we’re looking forward to supporting the programme over the next couple of years. The Football industry has a wide range of roles beyond what you see on the pitch, and we aim to share those opportunities with the pupils who are the workforce of the future.”

Kieon Young (Lead Coach)

‘Delivering the programme has been incredibly rewarding. What I enjoy is seeing students engage with opportunities that help to broaden their understanding of jobs within football outside of being a player. I've also enjoyed seeing the students engage positively in the weekly coaching sessions and see them really developing their football skills as well as their confidence.

The partnership creates a fantastic opportunity where young people can experience professional coaching, explore career pathways within football and take part in experiences that inspire their future ambitions. It's great to be part of a programme that helps students grow both on and off of the football pitch.

Paul Cooper (Head of PE & Assistant Headteacher)

‘Being welcomed down to Priestfield to launch our partnership and giving our pupils the opportunity to see what goes on, behind the scenes at a professional football club was brilliant and eye opening for them. 

"It’s a great partnership for our school and will provide opportunities for our pupils both on the pitch with professional coaching, and off the pitch with knowledge around careers with workshops and looking at how they can plan their futures.