Premier League Kicks
For 20 years, Premier League Kicks has used the power of football to help young people develop skills, confidence and aspirations, on and off the pitch.
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.
Today, 93 club charities across the Premier League, English Football League and National League cover 40 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 650,000 young people aged eight to 18 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 750 people in the club charity network are currently employed by Premier League Kicks, and more than 300 people in the current workforce are former participants, supporting the next generation as positive role models.
Independent research found that 93% of alumni said the programme helped them get into less trouble.
Former Premier League Kicks participants include Marcus Rashford, Raheem Sterling, Declan Rice and Wilfried Zaha.
The Premier League has invested £106m into the programme, via the Premier League Foundation, with a further £20m committed over the next two years.
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 Foundation, 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