Arsenal Kickz brings home two awards

Arsenal Football Club is proud to announce its Kickz project picked up two awards at the prestigious National Kickz Awards held at Wembley Stadium last week.

Arsenal's Kickz project at Elthorne Park picked up the Community Contribution Award presented by Barclays Premier League Referee Chris Foy. The project, funded by Dennis Bergkamp and Islington Council, has been the catalyst for facility regeneration with the Park and with a brand new artificial pitch the project has had a major influence on the overall improvements seen within the area.

Supt John Sutherland of the Metropolitan Police said, "Elthorne Park is a place transformed. It is but one example of thousands of success stories from Kickz projects across the country. Kickz has now engaged over 30,000 young people through the power of sport and music, making communities stronger and safer in the process."

The Chair of Hackney Kickz Steering Group, Jackie Loftus, was also honoured with Outstanding Partner Support for the Arsenal and Leyton Orient jointly-run project. Jackie's commitment to breaking down the perceptions of the older generations of young people as merely trouble makers is a matter of record and she is an unofficial champion of their cause. 

Arsenal in the Community Manager Freddie Hudson said: "I am delighted that Arsenal Kickz was shortlisted for so many awards this year. We have worked tremendously hard along with our many partners across Islington Council to deliver a top class provision for Islington's young people at Elthorne Park and Rosemary Gardens.

"It was particularly pleasing to win the Community Contribution Award for the regeneration at Elthorne Park because it is a great example of a partnership approach. I congratulate everyone involved in the project and also thank them for their continuous hard work."

Arsenal Kickz, which covers four London boroughs including Westminster, Camden, Hackney and Islington, was also nominated in another five categories and received special recognition in the Club Achievement Award coming third with Sunderland winning the category.

Each of the 39 Clubs involved in the Kickz project each had a recognised Volunteer of the Year aged between 16 and 25, with Malakai Henry scooping the Gunners' nomination. Malakai, from Hackney, was presented his Award by Sir Trevor Brooking on the night and is a true showcase of an inspiring individual.

[Tuesday, November 03, 2009]

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