Football skills put to the test

     



Youngsters taking part in coaching sessions organised by Charlton Athletic Football Club across Kent put their skills to the test on Tuesday (15 May).

Teams from South Kent and Swale took part in a community match at Crabble, home of Dover Athletic. The South Kent team was made up of young people from Shepway, Ashford and Dover and youngsters from Sittingbourne, Faversham and Sheppey played for the Swale team. All the players have been attending local free coaching sessions run by Charlton's Community Scheme and had been chosen for their team because of their attitude, respect and attendance.

"Some of the players had never played an 11-a-side match before and most of had not played at a stadium before which made the game even more special," said Clive Harris, Youth Worker for Kent Youth Service.

The match was split into three 30-minute games. South Kent won the first 1 - 0 with a good individual goal from Michael Mills from Ashford. The second was again very tight with a one goal decider from Shane Woolatt from Shepway. In the third and final game it was obvious that the journey took its toll on the players from Swale and South Kent won 3 - 0 with goals from J.P McDoungh (Ashford), Eddie Ryall (Shepway) and Connor Little (Ashford).

The Charlton Athletic Community Scheme runs free coaching sessions in the South Kent area. For more information please call Mike Ward on 07958 526712.