Our Partners

Who we’re working with

At Starters FA, we are dedicated to nurturing the beautiful game by collaborating with clubs, schools, and various organizations to foster a vibrant and thriving community. Our mission is to gain valuable insights and continuously grow alongside our local partners as we unite different voices and perspectives in the world of football.
As a company, we possess a deep understanding of the footballing landscapes in Kent, and our mission is to elevate the experience for every player who joins us. We strive to collaborate with organizations that align with our core values of promoting a supportive and uplifting environment while also encouraging players to push their limits. The fundamental aspect of our sessions is centered around ensuring that player enjoyment remains at the heart of everything we do.

Herne Bay Youth FC

On Monday nights, join us at our vibrant development centre located at Herne Bay Sports Hub in collaboration with Herne Bay Youth FC. Our engaging sessions cater to young athletes aged U7 to U16, with the added excitement of Starter Tots sessions on Saturday mornings for little ones aged 3 to 5. Don’t worry if you’re not a Herne Bay Youth FC player; everyone is welcome to participate, and a special discount may be available for those who are part of the Herne Bay Youth FC family.

St Edmunds School

For the 2025/26 season, we are excited to collaborate closely with the P.E department at St Edmunds school in Canterbury, as we work to develop a dynamic football program that enriches the experience and skills of their school teams. Our initiative will engage teams across various age groups in both boys and girls football, fostering a passion for the game and enhancing teamwork and individual abilities.

Tenterden Town Youth FC

Head Coach Will Rourke plays a vital role with Running Tenterden Town Youth FC, creating exciting opportunities for players from our Tenterden and Ashford development centres to step into grassroots football. We will be hosting interest sessions throughout the 2025/26 season, with the aim of launching teams in 2026/27.

MSN Sports Managment

MSN Sports Management is a premier sports agency that represents both adult and youth players on an international scale. Their expertise shines in nurturing young talents who are making their mark in professional and academy football. In return, we at Starters FA are dedicated to supporting them by providing guidance and training for many of the registered players. The partnership between MSN and Starters FA was established in 2012, originating from the mentorship of coach Will, who trained MSN founder Malek during his time living in Kuwait.

Meet the coach

Coach Ashley

Coach Ashley is a Co-founder of Starters FA with a rich background in football, having honed his skills at a premier league academy before competing at a high level while earning his coaching qualifications. He brings valuable experience from working in a school’s PE department and has a solid foundation in grassroots football, effectively coaching and managing both youth and men’s teams. Ashley’s journey also includes time spent with Chelsea FC’s foundation setup, where his partnership with Coach Will began.

Coach Will

Coach Will, co-founder of Starters Football Academy, brings 15 years of rich coaching experience to the table, having honed his skills across the UK as well as in the USA, Middle East, and Africa. His extensive background includes grassroots initiatives, social inclusion projects, and community coaching, along with invaluable time spent at two Category 1 Premier League academies, showcasing his commitment to developing talent and fostering the love of the game.

Join Now

Use the link below to see a full list of our current sessions and what's on offer however if you have any questions please send us an email on [email protected]