The KICKZ Project

The KICKZ project is a partnership that was initially formed between the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS), the Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA), the Football Association (FA), the FA Premier League (FAPL), the Football League (FL) and the Football Foundation (FF) to create a project of youth inclusion and diversion. This project is now sponsored by many agencies, specifically ACPO, Association of police authorities (APA), The Treasury, and the Russell Commission.

The project name, Kickz (Goals thru football) was designed and chosen by young people, for young people. It will involve the many professional football clubs, initially in London, taking football related activity onto targeted estates across most Boroughs. For 48-50 weeks of the year coaches from the local professional football club will provide three two hour sessions per week at times that have been identified with high levels of crime or anti-social behaviour (ASB). The three sessions will include coaching; competition and the third will be a flexible session, the content to be determined by the young people, perhaps a different sport, dance, another indoor activity or guest speaker.

By using the club brands young people will be attracted to participate and by taking the project to them it is envisaged that even hard to reach groups will participate. The corporate branding of Kickz and the national game of football will provide a commonality that can break down barriers between community groups.

The target age range is 13 – 18 and the project is aiming to “home grow” the youth leaders, volunteers and coaches of the future with suitable young participants offered the change of achieving coaching status and thereby have the opportunity of employment through project as a role model for others.

The numerous schemes across the country will come together in the form of competitions with local finals at the clubs and a grand final potentially at Wembley Stadium. Competition will be banded by both age and ability to allow opportunity for all.

Objectives of KICKZ Project

Reduction in crime and ASB in the local targeted neighbourhoods
To have a number of schemes in each Borough area, running three times per week throughout the year
Opportunities for inclusion and participation by young people