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Nottingham Forest Community Trust works closely with the Premier League to use the power of football and the value of sports participation to help youngsters in some of the most high-need areas. Since 2006, Premier League Kicks has supported hundreds of thousands of young people to achieve their potential and improve their wellbeing through free weekly football sessions and educational workshops.

Nottingham Forest Community Trust runs sessions 4 nights a week throughout areas within Nottinghamshire and is open to participants aged 8-16 years old.

At one of our sessions, Edward, a volunteer, has been gaining community coaching experience alongside our Premier League Kicks coaches. For two months, Edward has volunteered and helped at sessions which included supporting with the set-up and refereeing matches.

After a busy session, Nottingham Forest Community Trust followed up with Edward after he completed his volunteer work who explained what he had learned from the experience.

Why did you want to work with us?
I wanted to gain confidence in a real-life coaching environment, and I thought by getting involved in Premier League Kicks, I would be able to gain experience in a football and coaching environment.

Have you enjoyed the sessions?
Yes, it’s been a good experience and worthwhile! The coaches were all friendly and made me feel really welcome and helped me out a lot. The sessions themselves have been fun and enjoyable to be a part of.

What have you learnt during the sessions?
I think the biggest thing I’ve learnt personally has been social skills. Having to handle situations that I otherwise wouldn’t have had too, talking to new people, and understanding others more. Also, I would say leadership as I became one of the coaches for the two months I helped out, picking teams for matches and setting out the sessions and help organise and run them alongside the other members of staff.

What has been your highlights during your time with us?
Refereeing the matches has been a big highlight for me and was fun to take part in. I have also enjoyed meeting new people, seeing how much all the participants enjoy taking part in the sessions.

Do you feel that you have gained confidence that could help you in the future?
Absolutely, because I got along with all the other staff members well and engaged with all the participants that attended the sessions. I have a lot more self-confidence in my ability to talk to new people and be more engaging when participating in something new.

To find out more about our PL Kicks programme please email: dante.diriso@nottinghamforest.co.uk