Kickz is an inclusion project that aims to create safer and stronger communities in targeted areas of high youth crime and anti-social behaviour identified by the Police. This is achieved by providing free positive activities, using the brand of West Bromwich Albion, to engage young people between the ages of 12-18 years.
The activities range from football, street dance, music production to gaming. Kickz also aims to educate and inform young people of social topical messages such as alcohol and drug awareness through workshops.
What difference has it made so far?
Kickz operates in four areas providing provision all year round free of charge, enabling young people a regular place to go to participate in positive activities, which otherwise they could not do due to lack of financial or parental support.
- 2012 alone we have engaged with 200 young people, 18% of the female, from 17 different ethnicities and 27 different wards.
- It has given the opportunity to 8 young people to volunteer at sessions, encouraging confidence and enhancing leadership skills. These young people will be given support and mentoring by experienced staff along with training opportunities.
- Kickz has engaged approximately 50 young people in educational workshops around sexual health, drugs awareness and racism.
“Kickz has given me the opportunity to be involved with young people, giving them opportunities to take part in positive activities instead of being on the street. Kickz gives them a safe place to go as well as giving them guidance and advice.”
Harley Simpson Kickz Volunteer
“Kickz is great because it brings young people together from different areas in a safe place. The activities on offer are attractive and more importantly are free.”
Dean Burton, Kickz Volunteer
“I love coming to Kickz because I get to play football for free with my mates in a good facility.”
Shane, Kickz young person
“I come to Kickz every week to use the music studio. The staff help me produce by beats and write my bars.”
Tyrell, Kickz young person
“That was really eye opening. The information was really useful even for someone like me.”
George, Kickz young person talking after receiving a gun and knife crime workshop