Young People to get their Kickz

Coventry City’s Sky Blues in the Community have recently been awarded a grant of £25,000 from the Premier League Charitable Fund to bring a ‘Kickz’ project to Coventry. Kickz is the Premier League’s flagship community initiative under their Creating Chances programme; the overriding aim of which is to use the strength and profile of professional football clubs to create opportunities at the heart of their communities. The Kickz project offers positive activities for young people aged 13-19 years old in high priority areas, providing free football sessions twice a week and a further night of alternative activities; including other sports, dance, music and personal development and leadership opportunities. The scheme also aims to break down barriers between the police and young people, reducing crime and anti-social behaviour and creating routes into volunteering, education and employment. The Kickz scheme is currently run at 43 Premier League and Football League clubs across the country, helping in excess of 50,000 young people every year. Coventry City will become the 44th club, joining West Midlands rivals Aston Villa, Birmingham City, West Bromwich Albion and Wolves in delivering the project. Locally Sky Blues in the Community will be working with a number of partner organisations including the Integrated Youth Service and Positive Youth Foundation as well as West Midlands Police and Coventry Community Safety Partnership, who between them are providing additional funding to support the Premier League contribution. Cllr Phil Townshend, Cabinet member for Equalities and Community Safety said, "I'm thrilled that Sky Blues in the Community have been awarded this grant. It's clear that the money will be put to good use to create engaging and diversionary activities for young people, helping them to gain confidence, discover their gifts and realise their potential as responsible citizens of Coventry" David Busst, Joint Head of Sky Blues in the Community added, “We are absolutely delighted to receive this support and recognition from the Premier League. Kickz is probably the highest profile community initiative run at football clubs up and down the country and we have worked very closely with the Premier League and the Active Communities Network over the last 9 months to get to this point. We have a fantastic network of local partners who we know will be fully supportive in really making the Coventry Kickz project a resounding success.” Claire Bell, Superintendent, Local Policing, Coventry, West Midlands Police said, "the police in Coventry are delighted that the City has been able to secure a Kickz project locally. It will give young people a structured programme with meaningful activities, offering them the opportunity to stay active, gain qualifications and learn new skills. We are delighted to be working with the Community Safety Partnership and Football Club"