Folkestone Invicta to partner with Tonbridge-based Leigh Academy Hugh Christie

Folkestone Invicta are to partner with another Academy to launch a new post-16 programme.

Starting from September, Inspire Sport Football Academy - led by Invicta joint-assistant manager Tom Parkinson - will work closely alongside the club and add to the programme already running at Cheriton Road with Charlton Athletic’s Community Trust.

This new programme gives those aged between 16 and 18 the opportunity to study A-level and BTEC courses while also training daily and representing Folkestone in Wednesday afternoon fixtures.

It’s delivered at Leigh Academy Hugh Christie in Tonbridge and was linked with Tonbridge Angels.

The post-16 programme - while operating under the name of Isthmian Premier champions Folkestone Invicta - is run by a separate education provider to the Charlton programme, delivered by SCL Education.

“We have partnered with Tonbridge for the last few years but Tonbridge have sort of wanted to take their academy in-house and do it at the ground,” Parkinson, a UEFA A Licence coach, explained.

“We wanted to stick with the model that the education is as important - if not more important - and keep it within a school environment.

"With the way Folkestone are driving as a football club, it made sense to partner with them.”

It means Parkinson will be able to recommend any potential Inspire Sport Academy prospects to Invicta boss Jay Saunders, too, although the 34-year-old’s academy interest is on more than simply finding potential new footballers.

He said: “At the end of the day, the chances of them becoming professional footballers is fairly slim. The education side is just as important as the football.

"If we can get them earning money in non-league, and they come out earning some good qualifications and