Watford Premier League 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. October half term saw over 120 young people aged 8–18 take part in different activities throughout the week – activities which they may not always get the opportunity to enjoy. This included the Jack Petchey Education visit to the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum, the Denver Broncos visit to Harrow for a community day, and much more.
One of the many exciting activities that took place was enjoyed by our U18 Kicks participants. The group, who attend our weekly sessions at the Meriden Community Centre and Cotlandswick Leisure Centre, got to visit the Emirates Stadium for a day out with Arsenal in the Community. The event included a stadium tour and a 7-aside competition within their Community Hub!
On Thursday, the Trust partnered with Garston Ladies to run a Girls’ Football Festival at the Meriden Community Centre. The day included training drills and teambuilding activities delivered by Trust staff, a skills station, and lots of small-sided games. The girls also got the chance to meet Watford FC stars Christian Kabasele and Helen Ward – the latter delivering a Q&A during lunchtime!
Alan Silver (Garston Ladies Co-Chairman) said after the event:
“All the feedback I have had has been very positive. All the girls who went had a great time. It was the perfect mix of playing football/drills, meeting the pros, and having fun!”
Friday saw the winners of the Jack Petchey Achievement Award get to choose how to spend a £300 grant to benefit others or the Community Centre. Isabelle chose to take her fellow girls youth club and dance participants to Inflata Nation, and Omar picked go karting for his football friends.
Omar said:
“This was brilliant! I haven’t done anything like this before and it was amazing to share this experience with my close mates.”
The Metropolitan Police hosted their second London Regional Football Tournament on Sunday 30th October at Fulham FC’s Training Ground. The event, which was first hosted by Watford FC CSE Trust in 2021, aims to bring together London CCOs for small-sided matches, police engagement, workshops and guest speakers, and gives young people the chance to meet others from different communities, have fun, and break down barriers with the Met. Both PL Kicks teams did extremely well to reach the semi-finals – only losing out on penalties.
One of the participants said:
“The tournament was one of the most exciting football events I’ve been to. The experience was amazing, to play in such a good facility, meeting different people from all over London – all coming together as one to do what we love doing – playing football! Overall, 10/10 day!”
Tate, PL Kicks Project Officer summarised the week by saying:
“This week has been brilliant to showcase what Kicks is all about! The project is more than just our weekly sport and personal development sessions. All of these different activities create lasting memories for the participants!”
For more information on our projects and how to get involved, you can follow us on Instagram @watfordplkicks, visit our website at https://www.watfordfccsetrust.com/project/premier-league-kicks/ or contact Michael.Williams@watfordfc.com.
To keep up to date with all things Watford FC Community Sports & Education Trust, follow us on social media – Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube. Just search @WFCTrust or you can visit us on our website at www.watfordfccsetrust.com
