Pitch perfect

Pitch Perfect.

Whether you want to play for fun or train to compete, there are over 40 clubs to get involved with. Whatever your ability, we’ll support you to reach your personal best.

Where were you when football finally came home?

Kent student Abbie Cushion watched England’s women’s team win the European Championship surrounded by schoolmates in her local pub. It was a great moment for someone who has been playing football since she was 11, first in mixed teams and now as part of Kent’s highly successful women’s football club. 

‘England’s win was momentous and will I think see the general interest in women’s football continue to grow. When I started playing there weren’t many teams for girls, but it’s really refreshing to see how many opportunities young girls have now.'

Kent’s women’s football team had a stellar 2021/22 season, undefeated in the BUCS (British Universities and Colleges Sport) league and with 74 goals scored across all competitions. To build on their success and the increased interest in the club, they decided to run two teams for 2022/23 so that more people could play competitively.

"We compete against universities in London and the south east and have won every league game so far."

Abbie Cushion, University of Kent Women's Football

Abbie plays for the second team: ‘Our last game is against Essex, so kind of a local derby. Essex are also undefeated, so the pressure is building!’

Abbie has been a part of the club since she started at Kent. ‘As soon as I knew I was coming, I contacted the club via Instagram. Everyone was very welcoming and when I got here I really enjoyed mixing with the older students.

It integrates you into the whole University community and you learn a lot from their experiences. The social events are great too. I’ve made long-lasting friendships and really come out of my shell.’

The club welcomes everyone who loves football, from those who want to compete in leagues to those who just want to enjoy a Sunday kick-about. ‘In training we focus on skills development, but also make sure everyone gets a chance to just play.’

As well as being passionate about her football, Abbie is also dedicated to her studies and hasn’t found balancing the two difficult. She intends using her Environmental Social Sciences degree to forge a career in policy development in sustainability. And, of course, she plans to continue playing football.

As a Norwich City supporter, Abbie knows all about the ups and downs of football but fortunately, at Kent, it’s been mostly ups!