GRAYS Athletic FC and Palmers Campus of USP College have announced a partnership rooting the College's existing and highly successful football academy for young people (both male and female) aged 16-19 firmly within the local community and offering new footballing pathways for talented players.

The Academy offers students the opportunity to gain a B-tec qualification, A levels & T Levels, leading potentially to various careers in the sports industry - whether in media, marketing, coaching, sports management or playing. 

The courses are delivered by experienced UEFA qualified coaches and gives young people the chance to study and play at the same time. The College also has a wide network of sporting links both nationally and internationally, increasing the opportunities to learn.

There are already a number of course alumni playing at either professional or semi-professional level or pursuing scholarships abroad.

The partnership with Grays Athletic FC will provide students with a direct link into the football pyramid as well as helping the club cement its links within the community and adding a strong new element to its player pathway from youth football to the first XI.

Grays Athletic chairman, Lee Vehit said: "We are delighted to be partnering up with colleagues at Palmers College in this new venture. 

"Our ambition as a community club is to offer local people the chance to play the best football they can. 

"We know the excellent work that the Academy is already delivering, helping to develop some of the best local talent and broaden students' horizons across the sports industry. We hope that our involvement can expand the provision and its impact even further."

Steve Roberts, Football Development Officer at USP College said "USP Storm football academy has been hugely successful throughout the years not just on the pitch but off of it with many of our ex students playing up and down the football pyramid successfully.

"Our Seevic campus, and now Palmers campus allows players to develop their game in a full time environment alongside giving them an education that can take them wherever they want when they leave."

For further information about the USP Academy, call 01268 756111 or email [email protected]