An education programme is ending its partnership with a football club in a move that’s been labelled a “blow”.

Soccer Elite FA (SEFA) will no longer run its post-16 courses from Sheppey United’s Holm Park in Minster from September.

SEFA aims to help players to transition from youth football to the semi-pro and professional game, as well as offering BTEC, A-Level, football coaching and personal trainer courses.

It sent a letter to students saying it was “regrettably” not continuing the programme due to “circumstances out of our control”.

It said: “We notify you of this news reluctantly, but we have been informed by our education provider Jace that they will not be funding the new intake of students for the two-year duration from September at the Swale site.

“Therefore, we are welcoming all current and new students across to our Star Meadow College Programme in Gillingham.

“With this move, we will be able to offer all students a fantastic experience with a wider range of education courses available and access to our full range of coaches on a day-to-day basis on our state-of-the-art pitch.”

The programme is funded by Jace Training which works in partnership with SEFA.

It is understood that there are 17 boys aged 16 to 18 who are impacted.

Of these pupils, nine are in their second year and will complete their courses at Sheppey United.

Meanwhile, those in their first year will go to other Jace-funded courses. Two youngsters have told SEFA they are taking up apprenticeships prior to its decision to leave the Island.

Chairman of Sheppey United, Tony Hughes, told KentOnline that getting another education provider under the Sheppey United banner is in the works.

He said: “Most of the lads are from Sheppey so will now have to travel to Gillingham to receive their education, more than an hour away.

“It’s a blow to education on the Island but we are working to get something for 16 to 18-year-olds that would stay here under the Sheppey United flag.”

The programme was announced in June last year and replaced Sheppey United’s existing post-16 set-up.

SEFA has been approached for comment.