The Premier League, in partnership with Barclays, is supporting young people during the school holidays. The holiday camps, which will take place during the Easter holidays will see 75 professional football club community organisations, including the Cobblers, support young people who need it most, with access to sport and positive activities, as well as nutritious meals.
Marcus Rashford, MBE, is an ambassador for the activity, which will support more than 4,500 young people. Rashford is himself a former Premier League Kicks participant, having taken part in Manchester United’s ‘Street Red’ sessions.
Richard Masters, Premier League Chief Executive, said:“The importance of clubs within their communities has been more evident than ever this last year. There has been a significant commitment to helping vulnerable groups within society, when they need our help the most. The Premier League Kicks Holiday Camps will build upon the brilliant community work that clubs continue to deliver year-round. Thank you to Barclays for their partnership on this vital activity for young people and to Marcus Rashford for being an ambassador; once again making a positive difference to support others.We hope that those taking part in the Premier League Kicks Holiday Camps enjoy themselves.”
The Premier League Kicks Holiday Camps are an extension of the weekly Kicks programme sessions which have been run by football club community organisations for 14 years. The camps will provide young people with a range of activity to support their physical and mental wellbeing. Delivery will also look to enhance personal development through activity including Barclays Life Skills workshops on boosting self-confidence and financial literacy.
Premier League Kicks aims to enable children and young people of all backgrounds and abilities in football, sport and personal development sessions—providing a trusted, positive influence in high-need areas across England and Wales. Over 587,000 children have taken part in the programme since it launched in 2006. https://www.premierleague.com/communities/programmes/community-programmes/pl-kicks
Tom Corbett, Barclays Head of Sponsorship, said:“These Premier League Kicks Holiday Camps will help young people up and down the country with access to sport, nutrition and confidence boosting activities. That is why we are teaming up with the Premier League to offer our support, which comes in addition to our Community Aid package for charities working in response to the pandemic. We hope to provide a real boost for many families by giving these young people and enjoyable and active time.”
Rashford was keen to be an ambassador for the Premier League Kicks Holiday Camps, which support his own work in helping to tackle food poverty.
Marcus Rashford MBE, Premier League Kicks Holiday Comps ambassador, added: ”I've always been proud to call football my profession. This game helped myself and my family out of very difficult circumstances. Football clubs sit in the heart of all communities and have the power to unite people. Their response to the pandemic has been incredible and it's now about building upon that momentum to support those who are most vulnerable.”
“Football cares, and I'm thrilled to have worked with the Premier League and Barclays on a programme that not only protects and supports, but enables young people to develop personal skills in areas like financial literacy, food and nutrition, and literacy."
The Northampton Town FC Community Trust Premier League Kicks sessions are taking place on 29th, 30th, 31st March 2021 at Oakway Academy, Hemmingwell in Wellingborough. 60 places have been offered to children in years 5 and 6 from the Hatton Academy Trust. The children will take part in multi sports, mental health sessions and a question and answer session with a Cobblers first team player. The aim is for children to increase mental and physical wellbeing while having fun with the NTFC Community Trust education sport mentors.
To find out more about where Kicks sessions runs locally and to register for sessions, please visit: ntfccommunity.co.uk/pl-kicks