Hartpury alumna Jade Grove and current Hartpury Futsal Club player Kerry Walklett have been named in the England squad for the upcoming Women’s Futsal World Cup Qualifiers in Moldova. Kerry, the captain of the Hartpury Women’s Futsal Club, has also been named vice-captain.
They’ll be joined by Pete Vallance (Hartpury Men’s Futsal Club head coach) who has been confirmed as England Women’s Futsal head coach for the upcoming World Cup Qualifiers following his appointment as England Women’s Performance Coach.
Jade studied Level 3 Extended Diploma Sport (Sport and Exercise Science) at Hartpury College before progressing to a BSc (Hons) Sports Science at Hartpury University as a futsal scholarship recipient. Having graduated, Jade now represents Hartpury Women’s Futsal Club within the FA National Futsal Series (Women’s Super Series) - the pinnacle of the English domestic league pyramid.
"Hartpury has been the most positive experience for me, as a person and as a futsal player,” said Jade, who won the Golden Boot during both the 2022/23 and 2023/24 seasons.
“Hartpury gave me the best balance between my studies, training, and social life. I have been supported to study and train to the best of my ability. Having a futsal scholarship gave me access to such a supportive team such as a nutritionist, psychologist, physios, and other professionals. The best coach I’ve had was my Hartpury BUCS futsal coach, Luciana Silva, who taught me all I know! All this support has helped me get to where I am today, competing in the Futsal World Cup Qualifiers for England."
World Cup qualifying takes place from 15-20 October 2024. England will play Finland on 16 October, Moldova on 17 October, and Slovenia on 19 October.
Hartpury Futsal Club Chairman, Paul McHugh added his praise for the club pathway: "Having seen first-hand the commitment and dedication shown by Jade and Kerry over the past few years, I am extremely proud of the opportunity they have been afforded to represent England Futsal on the world stage. With an ever-evolving futsal programme here at Hartpury, engaging with more talented individuals from across the College and University, I'm sure it won't be long before we see the next 'Jade Grove' or 'Kerry Walklett' as they inspire the next generation of players. This will help us to have a very bright future.
“With our university women's team competing within BUCS, students have been able to develop a real passion and enjoyment for the sport, whilst also experiencing levels of success having won the 2023 BUCS Premier South Title. College and university students can also engage with our Hartpury Women’s Futsal Club team, who compete within The FA National Futsal Series (Women's Super Series Tier 1). Furthermore, this unique team is also accessible for alumni, allowing for aspiring individuals to continue along their futsal journeys whilst representing Hartpury after graduating. Several outstanding externally based players also compliment the team via the sharing of knowledge and experience whilst acting as role models.”
Several bright talents are currently engaged with the programme including Leilani Ryder (BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma Animal Management), Holly Paxford-Cox (A-levels), Isobel Kester (BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (Sport and Exercise Science)) and Ffion James (Postgraduate Certificate Sports Management).
Futsal Research
Research is an integral part of life at Hartpury University. Luciana De Martin Silva (Principal Lecturer at Hartpury) and Pete Vallance will be carrying out two futsal-related studies in collaboration with Sion Kitson (Head of Development & Technical for England Futsal). Luciana added: “This is a fantastic and unique opportunity to be leading research in the first ever Women’s Futsal FIFA World Cup Qualifiers! The studies will directly inform coaching within England Futsal, teaching within different Institutions as well as providing a platform for future coach development offers in collaboration with England Futsal”. More details of these projects will be announced in due course.
Study and play sport at Hartpury
Sports degrees at Hartpury University rank 4th among 86 universities (for student satisfaction) in The Guardian University Guide 2025. Hartpury University ranks 6th in the UK for Teaching Quality, according to The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide for 2025.
Students are supported to study and compete across a range of sports, with nine competitive sports academies providing an opportunity to compete regionally and nationally.
