Using the power of football and the appeal of professional clubs, the Kickz programme targets some of the most disadvantaged areas of the country. Kickz offers 12-18 year olds the chance to take part in positive activity three nights a week, 48 weeks of the year.

The programme vision: To create safer, stronger, more respectful communities through the development of young people's potential.

BACKGROUND

The Kickz concept was born out of discussions between the Metropolitan Police and the Football Industry and was piloted at Tottenham Hotspur, Fulham and Brentford Football Clubs in April 2006.

Government support for the programme, through the Respect Task Force saw the programme extend nationally and led to the involvement of the Association of Chief Police Officers and Association of Police Authorities. The programme name and logo Kickz - Goals Thru Football was designed by participants on the programme.

With Funding from HM Treasury via the Football Foundation and additional support from the Department for Culture Media and Sport (DCMS), the youth volunteering charity v, the respect Task Force and the Department of Health, 25 Kickz projects were launched at clubs nationally during the 2006/2007 season.

In September 2007, the Prime Minister Gordon Brown announced further expansion of the Kickz programme as part of a three year, multi million pound investment from the Football Foundation and Metropolitan Police, along with support from the DCMS via the Premier League's good causes fund. Six further clubs have since become involved in the programme.

PROJECT OBJECTIVES

  • Engage young people in a range of constructive activities which link to the Every Child Matters framework.

  • Break down barriers between the police and young people.

  • Reduce crime and anti-social behaviour in the targeted neighbourhoods.

  • Increase the playing, coaching and officiating opportunities for participants.

  • Create routes into education, training and employment.

  • Encourage volunteering within projects and throughout the target neighbourhoods.

  • Increase young people's interest in and connections with the professional game.

    For more information go to www.footballfoundation.org.uk/our-schemes/kickz

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