A post-16 girls’ football academy has been launched in a first for north Kent.

Northfleet School for Girls have teamed up with XL@Football to form the NXL Sports Academy.

It means girls will be able to continue their education while playing the game they love.

Head teacher Chris Norwood said: “It is so important to us that all students have the opportunity to develop their talents alongside academic studies.

“We are really excited that the new NXL Sports Academy will achieve exactly this for those students showing real flair in football playing and associated careers.”

Stuart Grist, founder of XL@Football, said: “There is a real lack of opportunity for girls in Kent and south-east London to develop their footballing talents alongside their academic studies.

“It is really exciting to be launching a first-of-its-kind, female-focused academy to provide the same opportunities to female athletes as are offered to their male counterparts.

“NXL is providing expert coaching from coaches who have worked in the professional game, whilst students are taught by subject matter experts in their chosen academic field.

“There is no other female academy like this in the area and we are proud to be part of NXL.”

Prospective parents and students can attend the school’s sixth-form open evening on November 16, with the first academy intake due to start in September 2024.

For more information, visit nxlsportsacademy.org.uk