Earlier this month, schools closed for the summer break and it gives us the opportunity to reflect on the past year of the EUFC Schools Programme, which has been running since February 2023, writes Schools Coordinator Phil Moss.

During 2024/25 we’ve worked with nearly 30 schools, from the very local primaries of Lawn and St Botolph’s to Springhead Park, Copperfield Academy, Shears Green Junior and Holy Trinity; secondaries including Ebbsfleet Academy, Mayfield Grammar, Northfleet School for Girls, and Saint George’s; and those further afield including Culverstone Green Primary, Brompton Academy (Gillingham), Chatham Grammar, The Holmesdale School (Snodland), and Wrotham School.

Classroom sessions and term-long projects have focused on the club’s history and its plans for the future, the environmental impact of football, exploring the business side of the sport, and discussing the hundreds of career opportunities available within football.

Stadium tours have been enthusiastically enjoyed as an opportunity to learn about the 120-year old ground, the Northfleet Harbourside development and our place in the community, as well as the opportunity to visit parts of the stadium that are inaccessible on matchdays.

Some of the best sessions took place towards the end of last season when we took pairs of men’s first team players into primary schools for what can only be described as rather lively Q&As! We’re extremely grateful to those players who participated and provided advice on the steps to take in order to become a pro, the importance of dedication and healthy living, as well as talking about their own careers, the highs and the lows, and answering the most important question, which is apparently ‘Messi or Ronaldo?’!

Overall, the Fleet has provided learning opportunities and memorable experiences to over 10,000 young people in our local and wider community during the 2024/25 academic year and thanks go to our partner schools for providing the opportunity to work with them.

The club remains extremely grateful to the main funding partners of the Programme, namely the National League Trust, Gravesend-based travel company 1st Bus Stop, and Clarion Futures, the charitable foundation of Clarion Housing Group, and we wish everyone an enjoyable summer break.