Chatham Town chairman Kevin Hake says the recent ministerial visit to the club’s academy was a real boost.

Prime minister Boris Johnson chose to visit Chatham’s Maidstone Road venue during national apprentice week and the club are preparing a massive expansion to their scholarship programme.

Chatham have big plans under chairman Kevin Hake - with the Football League their ultimate goal - and their youth development is a major part of their forward plans.

The club’s scholarship programme provides an exit route for school leavers to play football and study full-time. There are 24 students currently studying BTEC level three in sport and eight apprentice football coaches. There are plans to increase to more than 90 scholars next year who will be studying and playing at the stadium.

Mr Hake said: “We are dedicated to ensuring the young people who join us are given every opportunity to succeed on the pitch and in the classroom, which we believe makes them well-rounded individuals who are prepared for the next step in further education or working lives.

“It was great to have the Prime Minister recognise the good work we are doing at the club and it gave everyone involved a real boost.”

Mr Johnson - who was flanked by Chatham & Aylesford MP Tracey Crouch - met some of the scholars at the ground. He said: “The defining mission of this government is to level up this country, to break the link between geography and destiny so that no matter where you live, you have the same opportunities. It is schemes like those I have seen at Chatham Town that are giving our young people the skills they need to really get on in life.

“It was great to meet apprentices and scholars at Chatham Town, and I wish Kevin and his team all the very best for the rest of the season.”

*If anyone would like to register their interest then email their academy manager Timmoffatt@chathamtownfc.com