At the recent Norwich City v Birmingham City game Football in the Community and its partners launched the new national football project Kickz.

Football in the Community and Director Delia Smith were pleased to accept a cheque for £100,000 from Andy Parrott of the Football Foundation, together with its partners including representatives from Norfolk Constabulary Kevin Wilkins, Assistant Chief Constable, Jim Smurden, Superintendent for Great Yarmouth Police and Martyn Hooton, Police Inspector for Gorleston Police.

The Kickz program is currently active in Premier League clubs and 11 Football League clubs and offers 12 to 18-year-olds the chance to take part in a 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’. FITC and their partners will be launching the Kickz project at the ‘Cage’ in the heart of the Cobholm estate based in Great Yarmouth on Tuesday, September 23, from 5 to 7pm with the help of Norwich City player Lee Croft.

As well as football coaching and competitions, Kickz offers a range of other positive activities including basketball, street dance, boxing as well as music and arts workshops. Developmental and educational sessions are also run, dealing with issues such as healthy lifestyles and the dangers of getting involved in drugs and carrying weapons.

Thanks to the funding and support pledged from the Football Foundation, Norfolk FA, Active Norfolk, Youth Inclusion Support Panel, FITC, Connexions, Prince's Trust, Great Yarmouth Borough Council, Tony Wright, Broadland Housing Association, Community Connections, Wherry Housing Association, Cliff Park School Sport Partnership, and Great Yarmouth Sports Trust the project will provide much-needed activity and support in Cobholm and the surrounding area of Great Yarmouth.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown said: “Football Clubs are perfectly placed to offer something back to some of the most marginalised members of society. Through Kickz they can help young people get involved in their community and learn self-respect, personal achievement and a sense of responsibility.”

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.

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 peoples’ lives.”

FITC Director Ian Thornton said: "We are very pleased to receive support from the Football Foundation and all our partners to deliver this nationally-recognised project. We are looking forward to making a positive impact on the local Cobholm Community.”

If you would like to find out more about the Kickz program please visit www.fitc.org.uk or call 01603 761122.