Kingston College is among 10 in England to be awarded the Focus College status by British Colleges Sport and The Football Association.

It is the top level that can be awarded to an FE college for their commitment to football development provision.

Kingston, South Cheshire College, Tyne Met College, Leeds City College, Grantham College, Newcastle under Lyme College, Easton College, East Norfolk College, Richard Huish College and Exeter College now join up with last year’s 10 and will now play a leading role on a national level in advancing their football provision.

As part of the process, each Focus College will receive extended support from British Colleges Sport and The FA to form a football development strategy that puts football at the heart of college life for every student, whilst maximising links with the local community.

Programme leader coaching and performance at the college, Wendy Martin, said: “We are extremely proud and honoured to have been awarded focus college status and are very excited to be working with BCS and the Surrey FA to enhance the development of football further in the College and local community.”

The four-year strategy, which will be closely aligned to The FA national game strategy 2008-2012, will look at ways of increasing wider participation in football among 16 to 19- year-olds through playing, coaching, volunteering and refereeing.

Key areas such as educating students and staff about the Respect programme and providing pathways for students to enter community sport through Charter Standard clubs are also fundamental to the programme.

BCS national football development manager Karl Lines, who manages the programme, said: “The Focus College programme has already shown in its first year how it has raised the bar in terms of growing football development provision in colleges.

"We now go into year two of the programme and see the network of focus colleges expand from 10 to 20 and this is a rolling process that will continue over the coming years.

“I’m delighted to welcome the new 10 on board, and will look forward to working together to ensure football plays a significant role in providing students with enjoyment and a range of opportunities.”