Caterham School Launches Exciting New Football Academy Programme

Caterham School proudly celebrated the launch of its new Football Academy Programme this week, delivered in partnership with Crystal Palace FC’s Palace for Life Foundation.

The event brought together pupils from Copthorne Prep School, Caterham Prep School, and Caterham School for an action-packed morning of football training. Led by expert coaches from the Palace for Life team, pupils took part in drills, mini matches, and skill-building sessions, offering a fantastic preview of what’s to come through this exciting new initiative.

To mark the occasion, the partnership was sealed with a lively staff penalty shoot-out. Representatives included Ceri Jones for Caterham School, Martin Bartlett for Caterham Prep, and Ann Fletcher, Chair of Governors, for Copthorne. Each stepped up to face the Crystal Palace coaches, with Ann Fletcher securing victory for Copthorne in a dramatic sudden-death finish, taking home the coveted golden ball.

The Football Academy Programme will officially launch in April, offering opportunities for pupils across the Caterham Family of Schools, as well as the wider local community. Player development sessions will be open to young people aged 6–14, providing access to elite-level coaching, structured development pathways, and talent identification opportunities.

From September, Caterham School pupils from Year 7 through to Upper Sixth will benefit from regular Palace for Life training sessions as part of their clubs and activities programme, as well as within Games options in the senior years, marking the first time football has been formally included in the Games curriculum at Caterham.

Younger pupils at Caterham Prep School and Copthorne Prep School will also benefit, with Palace for Life becoming the official provider of after-school football clubs.

In addition, a series of Palace for Life Football Camps will be available to the wider community during each school holiday. The first camp, launching this Easter, will offer full-day sessions for a range of ages and abilities, focusing on skill development, enjoyment, and progression in a supportive environment. With tournaments, challenges, and exciting prizes on offer, the camps promise to be a fantastic opportunity for all young football enthusiasts.