As well as running evening sessions in deprived areas of Northamptonshire aimed at reducing crime and ASB, part of the Premier League Kicks programme also includes running girls only and disability specific sessions.
Aims:
• Enhance physical and mental wellbeing, including self-esteem, ambition and social skills
• Promote integration and champion equality, diversity and inclusion
• To increase levels of participation in physical activity
• To promote positive attitudes (towards others, themselves, learning, sport)
The Northampton Town Community Trust run two girls sessions for secondary aged students; at Weston Favell Academy, Northampton and Sir Christopher Hatton Academy, Wellingborough. Girls from years 7, 8 and 9 attend weekly free after school sessions, some have been attending since last year. For some girls, it is their first experience of football, others want to improve their skills generally. Some play for teams or the school already. If the coaches see anyone with potential talent, they signpost them towards local grassroots teams or the Northampton Town women and girls pathway.
"The uptake in girls football generally is phenomenal and growing fast," said Jason Simon, Premier League Kicks coach leading the girls sessions Sir Christopher Hatton Academy, Wellingborough.
"We have been running the programme for a few years now, it is great to see how enthusiastic the students are about the football. We have seen the attendance grow with each session, the girls really enjoy playing."
"It is great to be able to offer an after school football club with the Northampton Town coaches," added Bryony Lee, a PE teacher from the Weston Favell Academy in Northampton.
Participant feedback comments:
• I enjoy football and I’ve learnt teamwork.
• I have learnt how to work better in a team and become a better leader.
• I enjoy playing with new people. I have learnt how to play better.
• I have learned how to get better at the game.
• Making friends, having fun, learning new skills.
The Community Trust run a disability specific session in Rushden at the Pemberton Centre on Wednesdays led by inclusion coaches Cameron Marshall and Kym Allonby. This part of the Kicks programme works in partnership with Freedom Leisure and North Northants council and is funded by Satellite Club funding via Northamptonshire Sport.