Pupils at an Island school who are on a professional footballing course lost in their debut game.

The Isle of Sheppey Academy is training 17 boys to become paid athletes, managers, referees and administrators.

As well as coaching and class-based teaching, the pupils also compete in a national college competition.

They opened their account with a 2-4 defeat by Ravens Wood, in Bromley, at the East Site, Minster Road, on Friday.

Head of PE, Nathan Spocchia, said: “I think the course has started off on the right foot, the boys have been working hard in training and in school.

"As long as they keep it up they will do well.”