England’s most disadvantaged youngsters to be targeted with sport

Young people living in some of England’s most disadvantaged communities will be given expert football coaching and training facilities from Premiership clubs in an initiative to provide youngsters with purposeful activities and steer them away from anti-social behaviour.

The government’s Respect Task Force has teamed up with all Premier League clubs and Football League clubs in London to provide structured coaching, education and training opportunities through football. 

The first phase of the partnership will be through the Kickz project that will use the football clubs to reach youngsters in deprived areas and address multiple issues associated with lack of opportunities, anti-social behaviour, youth crime and substance misuse.

The scheme will also provide activities for young people who want to get involved off the pitch including educational and employment resources.

Home Office Minister Hazel Blears said she was “delighted” that so many clubs had got involved with the scheme.

“These clubs are exciting places for young people and can offer real opportunities to steer them away from involvement in anti-social behaviour at an early stage.  Initiatives like these are central to the proposals in the Respect Action Plan for delivering activities for children and young people that will underpin a culture of respect,” she added.