FITC have launched their new social inclusion project ‘Kickz’ at the Cage in the heart of Cobholm in Great Yarmouth.

All the Premier League and 11 Football League clubs are now involved in Kickz, which offers 12-18 year olds the chance to take part in positive activity three nights a week, 48 weeks of the year. The programme aims to ‘build safer, stronger communities through the development of young peoples’ potential’ and the Norwich City Project will be hosted at Cobholm Cage Gt Yarmouth.

Norwich City First Team Player Lee Croft was there to kick off the first session, and offered his full support to such an important initiative. He said, “ It’s a really good idea and they are trying to keep kids off the street. I like working with kids, and it’s trying to keep them out of trouble and help them do better things with their lives so it’s a really good project.

“ Where I grew up we had a soccer school on a Saturday morning which I used to go to, but there was nothing on the coaching side other than our local teams. Kids who don’t have the chance to play in a local team now, its good to get them off the streets and help them play football and get involved in activities.

Commenting on the wide variety of activities the project offers, Croft added: “ Its’ for boys and girls, aged 12 –18 and they have dance sessions, boxing and loads of different things to get involved in.

“ I think kids look up to footballers and football clubs, and having the chance to work with football coaches is great for them, so I’m sure they’ll look forward to getting involved.

“ I always enjoyed football when I was young, and I’ve been lucky enough to have gone from enjoying it to having a career in it. Obviously it’s shaped what I’m doing and my life so you never know, some of these kids could be doing what I’m doing in ten years time.”

A massive thanks to the funding pledged from the Football Foundation, Active Norfolk, Youth Inclusion Support Panel, Football in the Community, Broadland Housing Association, Community Connections and Wherry Housing Association the project will provide much needed activity and support in the Cobholm and surrounding area.

The free sessions run every week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays 5-7pm and will not only provide football coaching and competitions but will offer a range of other positive activities including basketball, street dance, boxing, music and arts workshops. Developmental and educational sessions will also be run, dealing with issues such as healthy lifestyles and the dangers of getting involved in crime, drugs and carrying weapons.

A local partnership including all our funding partners and Norfolk Constabulary, Gt Yarmouth Borough Council, Community Connections, MP Tony Wright, Gt Yarmouth Sports Trust, Norfolk County FA, Princes Trust and Cliff Park School Sports Partnership support the development of Kickz, which gives young people the chance to volunteer and give something back to their local community.

Kickz also aims to break down barriers between young people and local police officers. The funding announcement follows successful pilots at Tottenham Hotspur, Fulham, Brentford and Manchester City, which police say have contributed to reducing crime and anti-social behaviour in the community.

Ian Thornton – Director Football in the Community

“The launch was a massive success and I’m sure that the staff and the children involved will all make positive steps through this nationally supported project”.

Jim Smerdon – Superintendent for Great Yarmouth Police Said:  “ we are really pleased to be working with NCFC and their partners. We hope this project has a positive impact and makes a difference to people’s lives.”

To get involved in the sessions call the FITC Office on 01603 761122 or just come along to the Cage Cobholm on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays 5-7pm.