Since 2006, the Premier League have carried out the Premier League Kicks programme, using the power of football and the value of sports participation to help youngsters in some of the most high-need areas. In this time Premier League Kicks has engaged 440,000 young people by various means, including free football sessions and educational workshops.
Initially starting as a pilot scheme at just four clubs, the Kicks programme is now delivered across 90 Premier League, Football League and National League clubs at venues in communities where action is needed the most.
During February half-term across the country, all 90 Premier League Kicks clubs have been engaging in local, regional and national events to celebrate the 15th anniversary of Premier League Kicks.
Across the week beginning 14th February, Accrington Stanley Community Trust have been represented in multiple Kicks tournaments, starting off with a Boys U16 tournament hosted at the Stanley Sports Hub.
Seven teams from across Lancashire took part in an initial group stage with the top four progressing to the knockout rounds.
Throughout the day, each team also took part in a healthy eating workshop, giving the players an insight into benefits and consequences of their culinary habits.
After a very well contested first part of proceedings, the teams who went through to the semi-finals were Blackpool, Bolton Wanderers, Burnley and Fleetwood Town.
Both matches culminated with a penalty shootout as Blackpool and Bolton emerged victorious by the slenderest of margins.
The final was once again a tight match but this time there would be no need for the lottery of penalties as Bolton scored a late winner to settle the tournament, travelling back to Greater Manchester victorious.
Stanley were also represented in a Girls U14 tournament at Fleetwood Town on Tuesday and an U13 event held in Preston two days later.
Head of Sport, Lee Walsh, commented: “It was brilliant to host Monday’s event and to welcome different clubs from across the region. We’d like to wish a big thank you to Accrington Asda for providing a range of healthy snacks and to everyone who contributed towards making it such a great day.”
