Story added: 24th October 2019
Various dignitaries joined participants from a Community Sports Foundation’s Premier League Kicks session today at Ormiston Venture Academy in Great Yarmouth to celebrate the commitment from the Premier League to fund the programme for another three years.
This investment will enable more than 175,000 young people to access Premier League Kicks sessions across England and Wales by 2022.
Premier League Kicks gives young people access to free football sessions, sports sessions and workshops, providing them with opportunities, support and pathways to achieve their full potential. It sees club community staff working closely with young people and authorities in their local area, to create stronger, safer and more inclusive communities.
Aimed at eight-to-18-year-olds, Kicks engages young people in positive activities through their passion for football, whilst also addressing topics covering everything from equality and inclusion to youth violence and knife crime.
At a tournament to celebrate the relaunch, close to 80 students from Ormiston Venture Academy – one of the Foundation’s 12 Kicks hubs – enjoyed a morning of various sports sessions and workshops.
Among those joining Foundation Chief Executive Ian Thornton and trustee Mark Kerr at the event, were the Great Yarmouth Mayor Michael Jeal and Mayoress Paula Jeal along with Norfolk Police Senior Policy Officer Amanda Murr and her colleagues.
They watched the young participants partake in a workshop on knife crime and relationships (run by Norfolk Constabulary Safer Schools) and a CPR session (provided by charity Norfolk Accident Rescue Service), and enjoy the various sports on offer.
CSF Community Development Manager Toby Nickerson said: “It was fantastic to have our guests and a bumper turnout from students with us today to celebrate the news. There’s a real positive energy about the programme, and with the Premier League’s new backing, we hope to make a real difference to communities across Norfolk and Suffolk.”
The Foundation has been running Premier League Kicks sessions since the programme launched in 2006 and has encouraged thousands of participants to take part in positive activity.
Premier League Executive Director Bill Bush said: “The Premier League Kicks programme has been running successfully through our clubs and many across the EFL for thirteen years. To show our commitment to young people and communities, we are investing further to ensure its continuation for another three years, until 2022.
“Kicks is our flagship community programme and we are pleased that with the support of clubs and partners across the country, not least the police, we can continue to positively impact young people, providing them with opportunities and pathways that they may not have been able to access. Twenty per cent of current Premier League Kicks staff are former participants or volunteers, which goes to show how a long-term commitment can provide support and pathways for young people to better themselves, in turn allowing them to be a positive influence to others growing up in their community.”
To find out more about Premier League Kicks or to find a local session, click here
"There’s a real positive energy about the programme, and with the Premier League’s new backing, we hope to make a real difference to communities across Norfolk and Suffolk."
Toby Nickerson
CSF Community Development Manager
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When you donate a little each month, you will be helping to transform the lives of local people of all ages who need our support – giving them the opportunity to connect with others like them, feel happier and healthier in themselves, and raise their aspirations.
On the Buzzer, City! Quiz is our hugely popular annual quiz held at Norwich City Football Club, and it returns on the 7th November! Rounds typically include sport, history, film & TV and more, with special guest questions from Norwich City players and legends.
We have Soccer Schools running at venues across Norfolk & Suffolk, and whether participants are new to football, or are already a budding Canary superstar, the Soccer Schools programme has been put together to provide a fun, holiday activity at an affordable price.
As Norwich City Football Club's official charity partner, we help thousands of people every year achieve their goals through sport, supporting some of the most disadvantaged, disabled and talented people across Norfolk. Our vision is to support, inspire, and improve our community.
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