The EUFC Schools Programme, now in its second full year, is a community initiative by Ebbsfleet United FC that creates additional learning opportunities and memorable experiences for local young people, contributes to the curriculum, and uses football as a vehicle to raise aspirations and encourage greater engagement in schools.

Coordinated by experienced education professional and Fleet fan Phil Moss, the Programme offers a number of different elements that can be accessed by both primary and secondary schools within our local area. This includes: stadium visits and tours; curriculum-based sessions or projects, for example, in history, geography, business and art; careers advice and guidance; and citizenship and wellbeing. The Programme is currently working with over 20 local primary and secondary schools and is creating a network of EUFC Partner Schools.

The establishment of the EUFC Schools Programme was made possible thanks to financial support from the National League Trust, which is a partnership between the National League, the Premier League and the Professional Footballers’ Association. The Premier League and the PFA have committed to support the Trust until 2025 and they will each contribute to a donation of £1.2m a year over this period, which allows the Trust to help National League member clubs develop their community programmes. We are delighted to have received two funding grants from the NLT, totalling £25,000 for the Programme.

Additional support has been provided by Clarion Futures, the charitable foundation of Clarion Housing Group which owns and manages hundreds of homes locally, and Gravesend-based transport provider 1st Bus Stop. The club is extremely grateful to these organisations who, together with the NLT, share our vision for the Schools Programme and the positive impact that it is having on the young people of Ebbsfleet, Gravesend and Northfleet, and beyond.