The Northampton Town Community Trust runs Premier League Kicks; free weekly football sessions for young people aged 8-18 in different areas of the county.
The programme inspires children and young people to achieve their potential and improve their wellbeing; working together to build stronger, safer and more inclusive communities.
Premier League Kicks aims include:
• Increase playing opportunities in football
• Inspire young people to develop positive, supportive relationships with one another and the authorities
• Promote integration and champion equality, diversity and inclusion
To find out about local sessions please visit ntfccommunity.co.uk/pl-kicks
One of our Kicks coaches, Paul Saunders, talks about street football: “I am a firm believer that sport can bring people of all backgrounds together, it can instil important life lessons through challenges and collaborative working," he said.
"Community coaching is not just football, it is an avenue for children to work/play with others that they would not normally do so, opening them up to new ways of doing things. Realising that we are all different but have so much in common. I love to see children grow and develop emotionally, learning to listen and take on views and opinions of others, being able to take criticism, being able to challenge themselves in a small way which hopefully helps them realise that not being able to do something is perfectly acceptable, and that failure is just a step on the way to success.”
On Monday 20th December, all groups were invited to play in a fun relaxed tournament so young people could play on AstroTurf, meet participants from other groups and experience more competitive play. The morning’s tournament involved our Northampton groups Blackthorn and Kingsthorpe as well as Northampton and Corby cadets. The afternoon’s tournament involved our Wellingborough groups (Queensway and Hemmingwell) and Rushden groups. Participants and staff were encouraged to wear festive attire such as Christmas jumpers and hats to add to the fun atmosphere. Police and other partners were invited to attend too.
Kicks co-ordinator Anna Letts said, “It has been fantastic to get the groups together; the young people can test out the skills they’ve been learning during sessions and get to see that the Kicks programme is larger than just their own group. There have been some inspiring football skills on display as well as personal skills such as leadership, communication, fair play, patience and teamwork. I would like to thank parents for bringing the players along today as well as all our Kicks coaches and volunteers. They work so hard week in, week out to ensure they offer enjoyable challenging sessions and bring out the best in every young person.”
Attendance across the day from young people was 84. Thank you to our local PCSO who attended for their support. PCSOs Mike and Laura from Northampton Town Police and Adam from Wellingborough Town Police.