The Premier League Charitable Fund has launched the Premier League Kicks Alumni survey, which aims to understand the impact that the Premier League's longest-running community programme has on participants.
As part of this campaign, we are telling the story of the programme through the voices of those who have taken part.
To complete the Alumni survey, click here.
Addison Loose from Manchester is one of nearly half a million young people that have come through the Premier League Kicks programme.
He started attending sessions with Manchester City's City in the Community when he was nine-years-old, at a time when he was struggling with his mental health.
Addison has gone from participant to volunteer and now, 11 years after he first attended a Premier League Kicks session, he has a part-time role as a coach on City in the Community's disability programme.
This is his story.
"When I was younger I was a school refuser. I have ADHD and anxiety and I didn't want to leave the house. I didn't want to see anybody.
Premier League Kicks Alumni stories
With support from Premier League Kicks and City in the Community, one coach from Manchester has gained the confidence to be an inspiration to others
"I saw an advert for a Premier League Kicks session just around the corner and me a friend went along. It took off from there.
"I was struggling with my mental health and that one day a week was an escape for me, a place to enjoy myself. The day after, I'd be back to the way I was.
"Premier League Kicks helped me because it was a routine. That Friday was set in stone. It was hard when the session wasn't running in the holidays because I wanted to escape, to have fun, I just wanted to be myself for two hours.
"I have changed so much. My confidence, the way that I am as a person... I speak to anyone. But before, when I first met people, I would sit in the corner.
"I did the 93:20 volunteer programme, which gives skills and pathways for working in City in the Community. At first I didn't want to do it, I was very stubborn, but with encouragement from the coaches and my mum, I completed the course.
"I started volunteering four years ago and I got the job when I turned 18 in 2022. It's such a privilege to work with City in the Community. Looking back it's emotional because I wouldn't have thought I'd be where I am now. The way the staff helped and guided me and now I am doing the same for others... it is incredible.
"Premier League Kicks is amazing and it's hard to describe what it means to me. It helped me and the people around me massively. The way they do things, the way they talk to you, it's just so good.
"Without Premier League Kicks, I'd probably be without a job and still the way I was. Before working with City in the Community, I didn't go for interviews so when I had one with them, I was so nervous because of my anxiety.
"In my local area, there weren't a lot of opportunities and if there wasn't Premier League Kicks, young people could go down the wrong path. We manage to help them get on track.
"I feel proud that people call me a role model. Knowing where I once was to where I am now, I didn't think I would ever get here. That other people are looking up to me, it's hard to put into words."
Funded by the Premier League through the Premier League Charitable Fund, Premier League Kicks uses the power of football and sport to inspire young people to reach their potential, in some of the most high-need areas in England and Wales.
