The Brays House project has now been running successfully at the Harlow venue since February of this year, and the giant Brazilian goalkeeper showed his appreciation by paying a visit.

Kickz is a national programme that uses the hook of professional football clubs' brands to target disadvantaged areas and aims to: 'Create safer, stronger, more respectful communities through the development of young people's potential.'

Harlow Kickz is the latest of eight separate Kickz projects run by the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation, offering 12-18 year old boys and girls the chance to take part in a range of free sports and activities, along with workshops on issues such as the dangers of gun/knife crime and alcohol abuse three nights a week, 48 weeks per year.

Gomes took part in the activities on offer alongside participants during his visit, and said: "It was a pleasure for me to visit what is clearly a successful and an extremely positive project the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation are running here. As players, we are well aware of the work our club is doing off the pitch to help young people in the community, and we are always happy to show our faces in support."

healthy lives

Since the initiative started in February, Harlow Kickz has engaged over 250 young people. The project also has 12 young people who regularly volunteer their time to support activities and workshops.

Run in partnership with Harlow Council, Essex Police, Essex County Council, Kier Harlow and the Safer Harlow Partnership, Harlow Kickz was awarded 'Innovative Scheme of the Year' at the recent Harlow Sports Awards.

One of the volunteer Tottenham Hotspur Foundation coaches at the project, JJ O'Leary, won 'Volunteer of the Year', while the project's Head Coach, Eddie Reeves, was nominated for 'Coach of the Year'.

Councillor Tony Hall, Chairman of Harlow Council's Environment & Community Committee, said: "Harlow Council is very pleased to be working in partnership with Tottenham Hotspur Foundation on this project, which is helping to inspire our young people to live more active and healthy lives.

"Kickz encourages young people to get involved in sport and other activities and should help them to develop good habits that will stay with them for the rest of their lives."