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 celebrated its 15-year anniversary in Season 2021/22.

Over the past 15 years, Premier League Kicks has had a significant impact on people and places. 

Today, 90 clubs across the Premier League, English Football League and National League work with 36 police forces to provide young people with access to free weekly football sessions and education workshops in safe and supportive community environments.  

Almost half a million young people have benefited to date. 

As part of an inclusive approach, the programme has increased its focus on engaging girls and disabled young people.

Around 20% of those working for clubs on the Premier League Kicks projects are former participants, 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 Kicks Objectives

Through Premier League Kicks, the Premier League and professional football clubs will:  

- offer more opportunities to play, coach, and officiate  
- enhance physical and mental wellbeing 
- create a culture of volunteering, social action, and positive role models 
- work with young people to reduce violent behaviour and develop pro-social attitudes and skills 
- provide pathways into education, training, and employment  

Key stats

- Over 1 million hours of free Kicks sessions since its inception engaging more than 490,000 participants 
- 90 professional football clubs across the Premier League, EFL and National League funded to run weekly sessions supporting young people to achieve their potential
- 38% attendees from ethnically diverse backgrounds and 25% female 
- Delivery across more than 1,000 venues, with 60% of delivery taking places in the top 30% most deprived communities in the country 
- 21,000+ volunteers, with 20% of workforce former participants 
- 36 police forces engaged 
- Total Premier League investment over £66 million