In 2024, we established an exciting new relationship with Ramsgate Athletic, a young and ambitious club that has quickly made a name for itself in local football., further strengthening our commitment to developing pathways for young players into senior football. Ramsgate Athletic moved to Southwood Stadium, strengthening ties with our Foundation and providing a clear pathway for young players to progress into senior football., aligning their ambitions with our vision for community-led football development.
The team, which is made up almost entirely of 16-year-olds, has been making waves in the league, currently standing as the division’s top scorers with over 52 goals in the season. Their attacking style and fearless approach have drawn widespread attention, including praise from opposition clubs for their exciting playstyle and determination., managed by Ramsgate FC U16 coaches Mark Buckingham and Jimmy Egan to help bridge the gap between youth and senior football. His vision aligns with our mission to create sustainable senior football opportunities for local young players, providing them with a competitive yet supportive environment to develop their skills. Their Chairman, Steve Rollings, a passionate advocate for youth development,, is passionate about youth development and wanted to work with our charity to help create senior football opportunities for local young players, Their performances have captured widespread attention, with media outlets such as Brixton Buzz noting that ‘Peckham Town had been torn apart by a team of schoolboys.’ This recognition highlights not only the incredible talent of these young players but also the effectiveness of our youth-to-senior football development model.
This partnership is a testament to the success of our youth initiatives, ensuring that talented young footballers in Ramsgate have a direct pathway into senior football while staying rooted in their local community.