With a long history and reputation across non-league football, Kettering Town FC’s men’s first team are certainly the focal point for our club, and what backs this up more than ever is what has been gradually added in, behind that flagship side.
A local football club can have a positive impact across its town and the surrounding area. Sports events play a significant role in economic development and sustainability. While economic growth can influence the sports industry, the growth of sports consumption can also become a new source of economic growth. In addition, the benefits that social and physical activity can have on individuals throughout the generations is what now makes us extra special – being a valued member of our community.
And I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve achieved in these particular areas.
Academy
We now boast a magnificent total of 13 youth sides in the academy:
Pre-Academy U7s – U10s: enjoy weekly training sessions to provide them with the opportunity to develop their skills alongside players of a similar ability. They’ve also had some amazing fixtures over the season against sides such as Manchester Utd, Leicester City, Wolves, Leeds, Everton and Peterborough.- Main Academy U10s – U18s: playing fixtures in the Nerf Junior Premier League and MJPL. Both of these leagues are a very good standard and the players have had the pleasure of playing against some well-known sides, such as Aston Villa, Stoke City and Coventry City.
- In addition, we have our KTFC Future Lions Further Education programme for school years 12 and 13, where as well as their continuing education, youngsters can enjoy a football scholarship within the club grounds.
Community Charity Trust
The trust provides a range of opportunities for people in Kettering and surrounding areas to improve physical and mental health, improve community inclusion and education, and reduce involvement in negative activities including anti-social behaviour.
The community have always been hugely supportive of Kettering Town FC, and without that fan base, the club simply would not exist. The club felt there was an opportunity to give something back and so the trust was formed and formally registered as a charity in November 2020.
Since that time, its involvement and growth locally has been a pleasure to be part of and it’s been extremely humbling to see the impact the trust’s work has had on so many. Exciting projects, groups, schools and teams that we are currently running or involved with include:
- 18 boys and girls community football teams.
- Two women’s walking football teams.
- Two men’s walking football teams.
- PAN Disability group.
- FA Wildcats session – for girls aged 5-11.
- Coaching in over 15 schools at breakfast, lunchtime and after-school clubs.
- Inter-Schools Football League in 12 primary schools.
- Free street football.
- Holiday activity camps – including HAF provision.
- Community sports days.
There are also some amazing opportunities to partner or sponsor with the Academy or Community Charity Trust.
To find out more about partnership or sponsorship opportunities email philwade@ktfccommunitytrust.com
Phil Wade – Academy Director/Community Trust Manager Kettering Town FC
