Arsenal launch site for Kickz Club coaching

Arsenal Football Club is delighted to announce that Elthorne Park in Islington has become its headquarters for the new national community football project, 'Kickz.' The Gunners are one of 25 clubs across the country rolling out the scheme.

Arsenal in the Community coaches will hold coaching sessions four times a week at the site for boys and girls aged between 10 - 18 years-old.*

The concept came about through discussions between the Metropolitan Police and members of the football industry including the Premier League, the FA and the Football Foundation. Using the power of football and the appeal of professional football clubs, the purpose of Kickz is to engage young people in the local area and create safer, stronger more respectful communities through the development of young people's potential.

Arsenal Manager Arsène Wenger said: "Arsenal Football Club is delighted to be involved in the exciting project at Elthorne Park.  By bringing together young people in this  way it allows our community coaches to get to know the players and help them in a wide range of areas as well as football."

The Government's support for the programme, through the Respect Task Force, has led to involvement from the Association of Chief Police Officers and Association of Police Authorities.

Nationally, funding for the programme in year 1 will be provided primarily by HM Treasury via the Football Foundation with additional support from the Department for Culture Media and Sport, the Respect Task Force and the Department of Health. 

The scheme is designed to:

- engage young people in a range of constructive activities which link to the "Every Child Matters" framework
- increase the playing, coaching and officiating opportunities for participants
- break down barriers between the police and young people
- reduce crime and anti social behaviour in the targeted neighbourhoods
- create routes into education, training and employment
- encourage volunteering within projects and throughout the target neighbourhoods
- increase young people's interest in and connections with the professional game

Mondays (Girls & Boys)

6.00-7.00pm Ages 10-14 Years
7.00-8.00pm Ages 15-18 Years

Tuesdays (Girls Only)

5.45-7.15pm Ages 10-18 Years

Wednesdays (Girls and Boys)

6.00-7.30pm Ages 10-14 Years
7.30 - 9.30p, Ages 15-18 Years

Thursdays (Girls and Boys)

5.45-7.15pm Ages 10-18 Years

The clubs currently involved in the Kickz programme include:

Arsenal, Birmingham City, Brentford,  Crystal Palace, Charlton Athletic, Blackburn Rovers, Bolton Wanderers, Chelsea, Everton, Fulham, Liverpool, Leyton Orient, Manchester City, Manchester United, Middlesbrough, Millwall, Newcastle United, Portsmouth, Sunderland, Tottenham Hotspur, Watford, Wigan Athletic, West Bromwich Albion, West Ham United and Queen's Park Rangers.

[Wednesday, March 07, 2007]

Print this page Email to a friend