Since launching our Premier League Kicks programme in September last year over 250 local young people have benefited from the project. The sessions provide weekly free football coaching sessions for 11-19 year olds.

Kicks is a national programme that continues to grow and aims to build more respectful communities by developing the potential of the local young people by using constructive activities such as sports. It can also help those that struggle to join into mainstream activities.

Held at Hyndburn Leisure Centre the football sessions aim to keep young people off the streets away from anti-social behaviour and engaged in an activity. They allow the young people the opportunity to train with qualified coaches and helps them improve their health and their social skills in a relaxed but safe environment.

Martin Fearon, Community Manager ‘We are delighted with the success of our Kicks project and it is something we will be continuing over the coming years. We have a great relationship with the Premier League and it is great to be able to work together to provide this opportunity for the community.’

Built into the Kicks programme there is also the opportunity for local young people to take part in different workshops such as drug awareness, first aid & Driver education. It also provides opportunities for groups of young people to travel out of Accrington and play against other Kicks projects across the country. Earlier in the year a group of our players travelled to face Middleborough ahead of the clubs FA Cup tie.

The growth of Kicks has been phenomenal and today 47 Premier League and Football League clubs run a combined 112 projects across England, with 45,000 kids engaged in their local community in just one year and 85,000 personal outcomes achieved overall, including 5,500 educational qualifications.

So if your aged 11 to 19 come along to Hyndburn Leisure Centre on Monday and Friday at 6pm to join us, it’s free so grab your mates and come and give it a try!