It’s been a busy but exciting month for hundreds of young people, who all engage with a free inclusion project delivered locally by Watford Football Club’s Community Sports and Education Trust. The project in question is Premier League Kicks (PL Kicks). PL Kicks aims to inspire children and young people to achieve their potential and improve their wellbeing; working together to build stronger, safer, and more inclusive communities.
PL Kicks kicked off the month with Watford FC player Jeremy Ngakia who came down to Cotlandswicks PL Kicks football session to share some advice, answer questions, and take part in a crossbar challenge with participants. It was a memorable experience for all involved.
Off the football pitch, on Wednesday 13th September 2023 over 150 people, including football legends, gathered at the Speaker’s House, Westminster, to celebrate a decade of work by London United, a collaborative network of 16 professional football club Community Organisations, including Watford Football Club’s Community Sports and Education Trust.
Representing Watford FC and the Trust were the Interim Chair of the Trust Simon Macqueen, Community Director Rob Smith, and Duty Officer at Cedars Youth and Community Centre Hollie Chappin. Joining staff were Watford FC legend, and newly appointed Club Ambassador, Luther Blissett OBE DL, as well as a beneficiary of the Trust’s work in the community work, Eziafa. Eziafa, or Ezi as known to the team at the Trust, is 15 years old and her involvement with the Trust started in 2019. She has been involved in the Premier League Kicks project taking part in regular dance and youth club activities. She has been involved in multiple social action projects and is a member of our Premier League Kicks Project Youth Board, ensuring the Trust delivers to the needs of local young people.
Ezi said of the experience:
“Being a part of this London United event was an amazing opportunity! From being in the House of Commons to meeting football legends I loved every minute of it. I felt as if this event allowed young voices and stories to be heard. This event additionally allowed me to gain many connections and network with a variety of people.”
The Trust’s PL Kicks team then hosted a match day package at Westfield Academy on Saturday 16th September for local grassroots teams in the Under-11 category including Sarratt Rebels, Evergreen, Everett Rovers, Welwyn Pegasus, Croxley Green, Chiswick, and Bushey and Oxhey. It was Sarratt Rebels who took home the trophy. The day consisted of a six-aside football tournament followed by a short walk to the Vic to watch a victorious 2-0 win against Birmingham City.
Finally, on Monday 25th September, PL Kicks participants took part in a series of workshops and themed activities around Lives Not Knives. The workshops were delivered by a local PCSO as the young people learned the importance of both being and feeling safe within their local community.
All PL Kicks sessions are free to attend. To find out more information visit www.watfordfccsetrust.com/project/premier-league-kicks/
