The National League Trust in partnership with the Premier League and the Professional Footballers Association has agreed to offer a Grant of £12,128 to Hartlepool United Community Sports Foundation to fund a Poolies Kicks Project.
Poolies Kicks Project is diversionary sports provision to targeted identified areas of Hartlepool. The community-based sessions will use the medium of football to run informal turn up and play sessions for 8 to 11-year-olds from 5pm to 6:30pm, and then 12 to 15-year-olds from 6:30pm to 8:00pm at Brierton Sports Centre’s astroturf pitch.
Our project will use the power of sport to engage with young people. The sports activity helps improve physical and mental wellbeing, as well as improving self-confidence and team building. HUCSF want to inspire the young people we engage with creating a positive environment to grow. Our lead coaches are trained in youthwork principles, and it is key for us that we build a rapport with the young people and listen to their needs.
We offer the opportunity for young people to voice their likes and dislikes to help design sessions which they will enjoy taking part in on a regular basis.
The program works in terms of engaging with large numbers of young people having previously run
a Kicks program and working with the local Community Police to reduce anti-social behaviour in the area. We want to continue this work as there are still anti-social behaviour problems in Hartlepool.
HUCSF also want to add a new element to the project that will add a greater positive impact, by establishing two two-hour interventions over six weeks to receive referrals from young people who have committed Juvenile Public Order Offences or are highlighted by the Police as young people at risk of offending. This program will engage in restorative work in the local community and help educate the young people that crime does not pay and will only lead into greater problems in the future and possible imprisonment.
HUCSF is also working with the Dedicated Football /Public Order Officer who Police HUFC Home and Away matches and has had several young people who have committed offences at matches.
Through our two interventions we will educate the young people about their responsibilities in the local community and allow them to see the consequences of their actions in the community and repair any harm caused to others because of their actions.
For further information contact:
Tel: 01429 862595
Email: hucsf@hartlepoolunited.co.uk
