We are all very excited at the way the club is growing, says Corinthian coach Matt Longhurst

CORINTHIAN coach Matt Longhurst says the Kent League club are setting up a brand new Academy scheme in September.


Corinthian finished in their highest position in eighteen years when manager Tony Sitford guided the team to seventh place in the Kent League and they were defeated 2-0 by VCD Athletic in their first ever Kent League Cup Final on Bank Holiday Monday.

Longhurst explained why the club are to follow in the footsteps of fellow Kent League outfit Deal Town into forming a full-time Academy side.

He said:  “We are all very excited at the way the club is growing with the success on and off the pitch at the moment as we aim to be a blue print for youth to senior football in Kent.

“The club’s ethos is to try and give young players the opportunity to play regular senior football giving them a good grounding to establish themselves in non-league and hopefully the pro game, with excellent coaching, facilities and the obvious opportunity to play senior football at a young age.

“Three years’ ago the club had just three youth teams. Next season we will have under 13s, 14s, 15s, 16s in the Kent Youth League, Ryman Under 18s who play mid-week and the Academy side under 18s as well as the Suburban League reserve side and the first team in the Kent League.

“The next step to the progression is the Academy with the lads being in with us full-time as well as furthering their education. 

“This is a great step and one we feel will help us become stronger as a club as well as the senior sides.”

Corinthian, who are based at Gay Dawn Farm, in the Fawkham, Longfield countryside, will offer 16-18 year olds an opportunity to combine both education and football commencing in September.

The coaching will be held at Corinthian Football Club, which has indoor and outdoor 3g pitches as well as outstanding grass pitches.

The academic aspect will also be on site at Corinthian with level 2 and 3 BTEC in Sport on offer.

Longhurst added: “Corinthian Football Club differs from those around, with a great opportunity to progress into senior football.

“Our senior sides being, on average, the youngest in their respective leagues.

“We have all exit routes covered with coaching roles, education and football, enabling us to offer a clear progression for all candidates.”

There will be a squad of only 20 in the first year.  The first trial is this coming Saturday, 12 May between 12:00-16:00.

For those interested in attending the trials or for more information please contact Matt Longhurst mattlnghrst@yahoo.co.uk.

Andy Hessenthaler (Dartford, Gillingham, Dover Athletic, etc) and Jimmy Bullard (Gravesend & Northfleet, Fulham among others) both started their playing career with Corinthian.