With the Premier League extending its commitment to Premier League Kicks for the next three years, clubs are sharing how the programme is benefiting their local communities.
Newcastle United
Magpies head coach Steve Bruce was raised just a mile from the Walker Activity Dome in the city's East End.
This week he returned to his roots to support youngsters with cerebral palsy as Newcastle United Foundation delivered a PL Kicks coaching session.
And Bruce was quick to point out what an impact and value it has for children and teenagers in the North East.
“Kids here haven’t always had the right opportunities at the right time, but the Foundation is helping to change that through programmes like Premier League Kicks," he told the club's official website.
"The Foundation does a wonderful job in the community and it’s great to come down and see what the staff do at close quarters, particularly in a part of Newcastle which means so much to me."
'Encouragement is vitally important'
The Foundation works with over 58,000 people each year, including more than 1,300 adults and children on its disability programme, which includes eight football teams.
“In a city like ours, where people live and breathe football, giving kids support, opportunities and a bit of encouragement to play is vitally important," added Bruce.
"They seemed to love the session and it’s great to see.”
