Premier League Kicks
Premier League Kicks uses the power of football and sport to inspire young people to reach their potential.
The programme creates opportunities for young people who are at risk of anti-social behaviour, youth violence and/or from high-need areas to regularly engage in football, sport, mentoring and personal development opportunities.
Launched in 2006 as a collaboration between the Premier League and the Metropolitan Police to create safer and more inclusive communities, Premier League Kicks has had a significant impact on people and places for 20 years.
Today, 93 clubs across the Premier League, English Football League and National League cover 38 police force areas to provide young people with access to free weekly football sessions and education workshops in safe and supportive community environments.
More than 600,000 young people have benefited from more than one million hours of delivery to date.
As part of an inclusive approach, the programme has increased its focus on engaging girls and disabled young people.
More than 550 Premier League-funded programme participants are employed by clubs – many of whom are part of Premier League Kicks – providing young people with role models from whom they can learn and aspire to emulate.
Former Premier League Kicks participants include Marcus Rashford, Raheem Sterling, Declan Rice and Wilfried Zaha.
Premier League Changemakers
Premier League Changemakers is a leadership activity for girls and young women participating on the Premier League Kicks and Premier League Inspires programmes. It is delivered by more than 40 professional football club charities.
Funded by the Premier League through the Premier League Charitable Fund, the programme for 11-to-18-year-olds was launched in 2021 and also encourages participation in gender equality and mental health social action projects, to increase participants' confidence and support the development of vital life skills.
Premier League Kicks objectives
Through Premier League Kicks, the Premier League and professional football clubs will:
- Provide regular, inclusive and free opportunities for young people aged 8-18 years old to play, coach and officiate in football and other sports
- Improve the physical and mental wellbeing of young people to enhance self-esteem, confidence, social skills and foster a sense of belonging
- Create a culture of volunteering, social action and role models to instil a sense of community and social responsibility and help young people understand the value of their contributions
- Work with young people, police and other local stakeholders to promote pro-social attitudes and behaviours to create safer and more inclusive communities where young people can thrive
- Provide opportunities for young people to transition to positive pathways including education, training and employment through workshops and mentorship