Football project kicks anti-social behaviour to the corner

Young people taking part in a football project to help address anti-social behaviour in Halton Moor will receive some special visitors tomorrow.

The Leeds United Foundation Premier League Kicks football project has gone from strength to strength since it started last year, with over 70 young people in Halton Moor being engaged with coaching and eight young people currently on the Young Ambassador Programme.

To recognise its ongoing success the West Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Mark Burns Williamson and the council’s executive member for communities, Councillor Debra Coupar will visit the project tomorrow.

Media opportunity

When: Friday 16^th June at 6pm

Where: MUGA at Meadowfields Primary school

Mark Burns Williamson and Cllr Debra Coupar will be visiting the young people who are taking part in the Leeds United Foundation Premier League Kicks project. Interviews and photography opportunities will be available.

The programme aims to deliver a first class sports participation programme in the heart of local communities and give access to those who participate to qualification and other opportunities that could turn their prospects around. The football sessions are run by fully qualified Leeds United Foundation Coaches and are free for both boys and girls.

This project was funded by the Outer South East Housing Advisory Panel (HAP) and the West Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner’s safer communities fund.

Councillor Debra Coupar, executive member for communities said:

“The Premier League Kicks project has been a fantastic success so far with over 70 young people taking part – diverting them away from potentially getting caught up in anti-social behaviour and towards something much more positive.

“By bringing this project to the area we have been able to engage with young people through football and the power of sport.”

Mark Burns-Williamson, West Yorkshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner said:

“This is a fantastic project that I was very pleased to be able to provide some funding for through my Safer Communities Fund.

“This programme working with The Leeds United Foundation helps get young people active and supports them in reaching their potential. It will also help to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour in the local area and keep our communities safe and feeling safe.’’

Michael Kinsey, Premier League Programme Manager said:

“Our objective with the Premier League Kicks programme is to work with partners to create safer, stronger and more respectful communities through the development of young people's potential. In Halton Moor, this is a shining example of this where Football is having a magical ability to connect and energise this community.

“The Young Ambassador Programme is providing opportunities for young people to develop skills and confidence with the aim of progressing them into positive pathways.”

The Police and Crime Commissioner’s Safer Communities Fund was created in 2014 to help voluntary, community groups, charities and partners keep their communities safe and feeling safe. Grants of up to £5000 are available with the fund being financed with money recovered from criminals by West Yorkshire Police and prosecutors under the Proceeds of Crime Act. So far over 380 projects from across the county have benefitted from over £1.69m of funding.