A community initiative run by the Premier League Charitable Fund and Leicester City in the Community to inspire young people to achieve their potential and improve their wellbeing. It uses the power of football to engage young people in positive activities and help them develop important life skills.
It provides free football and multi-sports sessions, personal development sessions, and educational workshops for young people aged 8-18 in communities across England and Wales. The initiative aims to reach young people who are at risk of involvement in anti-social behaviour, crime or social exclusion.
The programme operates in a number of ways, including through regular weekly football sessions, half-term activities, tournaments and competitions. It also works with local partners to deliver a range of educational and personal development activities, such as mentoring, employability training, and workshops on issues such as mental health, drug and alcohol awareness, and online safety.
The Premier League Kicks programme has had a significant impact on the lives of many young people across Leicester and Leicestershire. Here are some of the key ways in which the initiative has made a difference:
Increased participation in positive activities: Premier League Kicks provides young people with access to free football and a range of personal development activities, which helps to keep them engaged in positive activities and away from anti-social behaviour and crime.
Improved physical health: Regular participation in football and other physical activities can improve young people's physical health and well-being, reducing their risk of obesity and other health problems.
Increased confidence and self-esteem: Participating in Premier League Kicks can help young people to develop confidence and self-esteem, as well as important life skills such as teamwork, communication and leadership.
Improved academic performance: Some young people who participate in Premier League Kicks have reported improvements in their academic performance, as a result of the programme’ s focus on personal development and educational workshops.
Reduced involvement in crime and anti-social behaviour: There is evidence to suggest that young people who participate in Premier League Kicks are less likely to become involved in crime and anti-social behaviour, as a result of the positive activities and support provided by the programme.
Volunteering: The program also offers opportunities for volunteering and leadership development. Young people who show commitment and leadership potential may be invited to become volunteers or participate in youth forums, where they can have a say in how the programme is run. This not only empowers them to take on more responsibility but also helps them develop valuable skills that can enhance their future career prospects.