Canterbury High hope their new academy will help produce players of the class of John Terry

Premier League Chelsea will run an Elite Boys' Football Academy at Canterbury High School from September.

Under an exciting partnership with Chelsea’s Foundation, the specialist sports college will offer a two-year course for boys aged 16-17 that will feature football training from the Blues’ UEFA-approved coaches alongside an academic programme.

Headteacher Phil Karnavas said: "We already run academies for rugby, tennis, athletics and basketball, and it’s exciting that we will now be offering football as well.

"We first raised the possibility with Chelsea and they have agreed to form this partnership because they feel that
the South East is a
source of untapped footballing talent."

Apart from receiving daily coaching, successful students will benefit from a professional fitness programme run by Steve Green, who used to be a fitness coach to tennis stars Tim Henman and Greg Rusedski. The students will also receive free membership to the school’s £4.5million sports complex and gym.

Any youngster interested must take part in a football trial at the Knight Avenue school on Wednesday, July 8. They will also be expected to provide an academic presentation.

There will be a maximum of 20 students in the first year, with one coach employed by Chelsea and then in Year 2, another 20 students will be admitted plus an assistant coach, again employed by Chelsea.

To register for a place, or
more details, contact Sally Childs, the Assistant to the Head of Sixth Form, on 01227 463971 or email schilds@canterbury.kent.sch.uk