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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.

Through its workshops and football sessions, PL Kicks has had a positive effect on many of its participants, especially Emily, who has been attending for the past three months, has benefited so much. She had never really played football before attending PL Kicks, only occasionally at school in PE lessons. Ever since she started regularly coming to Kicks, she has been hooked and wants to play more football in addition to the hockey she already plays.

We managed to catch up with Emily to ask her about PL Kicks.

What made you want to join PL Kicks? 

I wanted to join PL Kicks because I wanted to try something new. I like trying out different sports as I already play hockey, and I had played football briefly in school before and enjoyed it so wanted to start doing it more regular, with friends and new people I could meet here too.

What do you enjoy the most about PL Kicks and why? 

Obviously, the best part of the sessions is playing football with my friends and how friendly the coaches are; however, I do enjoy playing with and against other schools as it brings an extra element to the sessions, especially the organised events as I then get to meet more people and we have a mutual interest in football so it’s easier to make friends with them.

What influences have the coaches had on you? 

The coaches at my PL Kicks sessions have been amazing, they’re friendly, approachable, and encouraging. They have really got me into football which I have enjoyed and have helped me improve. I mostly play hockey but since I started playing football here, I have been enjoying it and want to play more often.

In what way has PL Kicks positively impacted you? 

I think PL Kicks sessions have positively impacted me, not only have I got a lot better at football since I started coming, but my confidence has also grown in trying new sports and meeting different people from different schools. This has then helped me become a lot more confident in myself as I am getting better every week.

How would you describe PL Kicks to someone else who’s wanting to join?

I would say it’s a fun and safe environment for anyone that’s wanting to play football regularly or just getting into it like I was. The coaches don’t judge on your ability, they are there to help everyone that wants to join in and make it enjoyable for everyone. The sessions are always fun, and everyone always gets on.

After speaking to Emily, she has since told our coach Lead Coach, Oscar that she has started playing football at lunchtimes with her friends at school and she is looking to potentially join a local football team. Well done, Emily!

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