Mahrez Meets Premier League Kicks Hero
As part of the Premier League’s 10-year anniversary celebration of PL Kicks, a youth outreach programme designed to create stronger and safer communities, Marriam was chosen by the LCFC Community Trust to be a special guest at the Club’s training ground on Thursday 4 May.
Marriam, who dreams of playing in the Women’s Super League, was 11 when she attended her first PL Kicks session at Spinney Hills Park three years ago. Her natural talent and love for football shone through during professional coaching at Kicks. She has since joined the City Women’s Under-16 team.
The LCFC Community Trust offers PL Kicks coaching at 20 sites and welcomes 300 participants on a weekly basis. After her father passed away, Marriam continued to play a vital role within her community and, in 2015, she even helped organise a youth forum to attract more girls to participate in PL Kicks.
Marriam’s story has now been brought to life in a comic strip illustration designed by Marvel and DC Comics artist John McCrea. Upon her arrival at Belvoir Drive, she was given a guided tour of the facilities by her personal mentor, Ish Latif, from the LCFC Community Trust.
Talking to a film crew from the BBC’s Match of Day, Marriam, said: “The comic book is lovely as it tells my story and includes my family, my teacher and the PL Kicks coaches from the LCFC Community Trust, who play such an important role in my life. I think it will definitely be going on the wall at home!
“Meeting Riyad has been fantastic too. It was actually my dream to meet him as he’s a Premier League winner and an inspiration for all young footballers, myself included. He’s said some kind words to me and told me to keep giving 100 per cent in training and to never give up.”
Mahrez, who later sat down and talked tactics with Marriam, added: “I’d like to congratulate Marriam on being named Leicester City’s Premier League Kicks Hero. She deserves the award and I’m a huge fan of the story of how her passion for football has inspired more girls to join Premier League Kicks.
“Marriam suffered a personal tragedy with the loss of her father, but the way she has reacted is an inspiration, using their shared love of football to help increase her confidence and to be a great influence on those around her. It has been a pleasure to spend time with Marriam.”