KES Academy and King’s Lynn Town FC launch girls’ football programme

A new female football and education programme is being launched by King Edward VII Academy in September as part of its exciting partnership with King’s Lynn Town Football Club.The new programme will allow all students to follow their educational path, whether that be studying for A Levels, taking a vocational course or a combination of the two, at KES.It is believed the scheme will be the first of its kind across Norfolk and KES Principal Darren Hollingsworth has hailed the latest phase of the blossoming partnership as a ‘landmark celebration’.”Welcoming girls’ football warrants a landmark celebration,” he said.”The success of the Lionesses has inspired the next generation to pursue their love of the beautiful game and with such positive role models, the possibilities are endless.“We are pleased that the programme is proving so popular and KES is proud to support it.”The scheme will see the formation of a Ladies B team, which in turn will allow a clear pathway into the King’s Lynn Town Football Club Ladies team.It is open to anyone aged 16-18, and all students will be required to meet the school’s entry requirements to gain a place, regardless of their footballing ability.KES Academy and the Linnets are committed to producing the next crop of home-grown talent and the flourishing partnership continues to improve the pathway between grassroots football and National League level.Following the recent success of the Lionesses, the partnership will highlight the talent across West Norfolk and the county as a whole.Over the last four years, the boys’ programme has seen young striker Joe Taylor move to Peterborough and then Luton Town in the Premier League.As well as Taylor’s rapid climb up the footballing ladder, the trio of Tyler Knowles, Ben Isaacson and Charlie Royle have all gone on to feature for King’s Lynn Town’s first team.Academy director Alex Cross said: “We are delighted to be starting the Ladies B team, this will give players in both further and higher education the opportunity to train consistently whilst having a clear pathway into first-team football.”Liam De Silva has delivered our girls’ academy over the past few months and there has been significant success already.”Students will complete full-time education at King Edward VII Academy Sixth form. This will include students choosing from a range of A levels or Level 3 courses to provide them with future qualifications while training with KLFC.Head of sixth form Ali White added: “I’m delighted we can launch this next stage of our partnership with King’s Lynn Town Football Club.”The ladies’ game has grown significantly over the last few years and this is reflected by the number of girls playing football at KES.”This programme will give them the chance to take their game to the next level while getting the first-class education KES sixth form provides.”The scheme will also include strength and condition, analysing performance and rehabilitation for injured players alongside a full training schedule.Jody Walters, head of PE at Kes, said: “We are excited to welcome the U19 girls programme to KES.”We believe this is the next stage of our partnership with KLTFC and are thrilled to be able to provide the same opportunity for local ladies and are looking forward to seeing this programme grow and flourish as we have with the current U19 Academy team.”We have already seen females progress through the academy but having a dedicated team is taking it to the next level, we welcome this addition KES.”