Mayor of London Sadiq Khan joined Harry Kane at a Premier League Kicks session to launch a three-year partnership between the Premier League, City Hall and the Metropolitan Police to enhance the delivery of the social-inclusion programme in London.
Premier League Kicks was launched 13 years ago with the aim of inspiring children and young people to achieve their potential and improve their wellbeing.
Aimed at youngsters aged between eight and 18, Kicks gives participants access to free football sessions and activities, as well as workshops which support and educate.
Positive relationships with police
Premier League and EFL club community organisations in London can apply for funding to deliver the programme at local facilities and pitches. This delivery helps build positive relationships between young people and the police.
Under the new partnership, the League and the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC) are investing additional funding in Kicks to provide constructive activities for young Londoners.
This is part of a public-health approach to tackling violence, with positive opportunities regularly provided in targeted areas with the aim of reaching more than 25,000 young people in the next three years.
Tailored provision will also be delivered, including workshops and mentoring for those most in need, such as young people who attend Pupil Referral Units.
"It's really important to have positive role models" - @MayorofLondon
— PL Communities (@PLCommunities) August 13, 2019
The @premierleague has launched a new three-year partnership with @LDN_gov & @metpoliceuk to enhance the delivery of the #PLKicks programme pic.twitter.com/xboJ6E4i3F
"We are pleased to extend this delivery in partnership with City Hall, the Metropolitan Police and professional football clubs, as well as the thousands of young people who get involved," Bill Bush, the Premier League's Executive Director, said.
"Using clubs' ability to regularly engage and build trusted relationships, the programme aims to provide a positive influence in young people's lives.
"Kicks will continue to support them to develop their potential and to make a positive contribution in their communities, while also addressing topics from youth violence to equality and inclusion."
'Building strong, safe communities'
Mayor Khan saw a Kicks session delivered by the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation at the Duke’s Aldridge Academy, in north London, in the shadow of Spurs' new stadium.
"I know from personal experience that sport can provide young people with life-changing opportunities and I want all young Londoners to have the chance to reach their full potential," Khan said.
"That is why I’m supporting the Premier League Kicks programme, providing young Londoners with free sports coaching, helping to build stronger and safer communities.
“The best time to stop violent crime is before it starts. This means investing in our young people, investing in our communities and investing in our city so that we give the next generation the chance to thrive.”
