Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Young stars in the limelight
England and Chelsea forward Fran Kirby presented an array of awards to sports stars of The Canterbury Academy Trust. The annual ceremony held last Tuesday at the academy in Knight Avenue, was watched by a 280-strong audience. Kirby, who represented England in the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, was praised by the academy’s director of sport, Phil Relf, for taking time out from her demanding football schedule to inspire the next generation of sports women and men.
The Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) Women’s Players’ Player of the Year for 2018, was full of praise for the sporting facilities at The Canterbury Academy.
She said: “I never had the chance to try out any of the sports at school that the academy offers.
“Here they can do basketball, tennis, gym training and so many others. It’s amazing.” Kirby, who has bounced back from possible career-changing injuries, told the audience of her determination to succeed and her work to support mental health.
A total of 25 awards were given out on the night recognising sporting successes.
The award for national achievement went to golfer Lily Cook, 15, who last year won a place in England’s under-16 squad.
The academy’s under-13s cricket squad was named team of the year after winning the county cricket cup. Mr Relf, who hosted the evening, said that the team had made a bit of history by being one of the few sides from a comprehensive school to win a county cricket cup. Harry Fulton, a player in the winning squad, was the recipient of the trust’s county prize. Wimbledon hopeful Ashleigh Hannah, 10, a pupil at The Canterbury Primary School, won an award for her achievements on court. The rising star of Appeti Tennis, which works in partnership with the academy, reached the
Kent County Championships finals last year. Hannah is ranked third in Kent and 19th in the country. Basketball player Jonathan Fakile, 18, received the second partnership prize, recognising the tie-up between Kent Crusaders basketball club and the academy.
Fakile is a star of the sixth form basketball programme that attracts students from across the country.
The talented player, who is described as dominant at under18s level, won a place at the Great Britain under-18 training camp.
In a change of emphasis at this year’s awards ceremony, The Canterbury Academy Trust recognised students who embody the sporting values of commitment, leadership, honesty and respect, alongside those with regional or national awards.
The Trust named Beckham Hulks,18, the sports personality of the year, as someone who inspires as a coach for primary school pupils and embodies teamwork as a football academy member, switching from goalkeeper to attacking player. He also represents the school in cricket.
Mr Relf said: “The Canterbury Academy Trust attracts some of the best sporting talent in the county and beyond to its doors. By working in partnership with the highest-ranking clubs and institutions, we offer a pathway to the top.”
He thanked a number of organisations for their backing, including Lifestyle Fitness, Canterbury Christ Church University, The Mary Edmondson Sporting Trust, Marathon Sports Foundation, Canterbury Rugby Club, Canterbury Christ Church University, Canterbury Cricket Club, Boughton Golf Club and the Forest of Blean Rotary Club. ■ Canterbury Academy sixth form open evening is on Wednesday. March 11, when more information is available about courses on offer at the Canterbury Institute of Sport. For details, call 01227 463971.