Premier League Charitable Fund 10 Year Awards | PL Kicks
In celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Premier League Charitable Fund this week, we are delighted to announce our participant and staff nominations.
Today’s focus is on Premier League Kicks, a programme we have ran at Derby County for over ten years and which has seen countless successes engaging participants written off as ‘hard to reach’.
Our participant winner is Kadeem, who has been part of the Premier League Kicks programme for some years in Derby.
Within that time, he has transformed from an occasional attendee to a regular, reliable and motivational participant who has encouraged many others to come along to the sessions too.
Numerous volunteers and coaches who have worked with Kadeem over the years have commented on his positive behaviour change and willingness to take part.
He has represented Derby County in various tournaments across the country and is always the first to volunteer himself, making other more confident to take part in these opportunities too. He also engages in the educational content we provide alongside the football sessions, including workshops on knife crime and tackling racism.
Kadeem has also completed his Junior Football Leader qualification and hopes to move on to the FA Level 1 course soon. He’s grown to be a real role model for others.
Our staff winner is another familiar face, who has progressed through the Trust since being an apprentice to deliver on the Primary Stars project and is now co-ordinating our Kicks programme.
In his current position, Zack ensures the highest possible delivery standards for sessions that work with 'hard to reach' young people. Over lockdown he has continued to engage and keep in touch with our participants.
He is also entering the third year of his degree at the Trust. His organisation skills ensure both his studies and work are always kept on track.
Some participants have known Zack since he volunteered alongside his apprenticeship and have formed a really great connection with him.
Zack's own development has been an inspiration to many others and his sessions are always well attended. He encourages others to take part in initiatives and engage beyond sport to better their futures.
A huge congratulations from us all at Derby County Community Trust to our two Premier League Kicks nominees, who are now up for the Premier League’s national awards!