The Premier League has celebrated one million hours of Premier League Kicks delivery.
The League's flagship community programme has supported hundreds of thousands of young people to achieve their potential and improve their wellbeing through free weekly football, sport or workshop activity.
Premier League Kicks began in the 2006/07 season, providing participants from high-need areas across England and Wales with a safe place to play and opportunities to develop valuable life skills.
The League marked the milestone at the Premier League Kicks Cup regional tournament at Salford Sports Village in Manchester, attended by special guests including Manchester United legend Wes Brown and Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham.
"Premier League Kicks has been a consistent positive presence for young people across Greater Manchester and throughout the country for many years."
The programme originally launched in conjunction with the Metropolitan Police, supporting them to create stronger, safer and more inclusive communities by involving young people in regular, positive and fun activity.
Investment from the Premier League of more than £66 million has enabled the programme to expand so it is now delivered by 90 Premier League, EFL and National League clubs who work in partnership with 36 police forces.
Premier League Kicks has been delivered in over 4,800 venues across England and Wales, with more than half located in deprived neighbourhoods, supporting more than 490,000 people aged 8-18.
"We are incredibly proud to have reached this landmark with Premier League Kicks," said Nick Perchard, Premier League Head of Community and Football Policy. "It has made a significant impact in communities across the country, providing a safe and positive environment for young people to come together, play football and develop valuable life skills.
"Reaching one million hours of Premier League Kicks is an incredible achievement and a testament to the hard work of everyone involved.
"We know that football has the power to bring people together and make a positive difference in communities and Premier League Kicks is a great example of that. We look forward to continuing to work with our partners to inspire and support young people through the programme in the years to come."
In addition to providing young people with access to free football and sports activities, Premier League Kicks has inspired thousands of youngsters with routes into education, training, and employment.
More than 21,000 volunteers have worked on the programme, with 20 per cent of the workforce former participants.
A number of current Premier League players have previously attended sessions, including Marcus Rashford, Declan Rice and Wilfried Zaha.
Seven professional club community organisations in Greater Manchester have been funded by the Premier League to deliver over 100,000 hours of Premier League Kicks across 384 venues sessions since 2010.
"I'm delighted to have been a part of this special event celebrating a landmark moment for Premier League Kicks, which has been a consistent positive presence for young people across Greater Manchester and throughout the country for many years," Burnham said.
"Football has a unique ability to break down barriers and bring communities closer together. Congratulations to the Premier League and all of the partners involved in this fantastic programme."
This event is part of the Premier League Supports campaign, which is highlighting the impact of the League's investment on wider football and communities.
PL Kicks in numbers
Also in this series
Part 1: 'Premier League Supports' to highlight help wider football receives
Part 2: How we helped Peacehaven
Part 3: Literacy levels on the rise thanks to Everton and PL Inspires
Part 4: City fans turn Manchester blue to support club's community work
Part 6: 'Arsenal made me a better coach and a better dad'
Part 7: People of non-league: Coventry Sphinx
