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Teams representing football clubs across south east England were invited to take part in a special tournament at the Albion training ground.

As part of the Premier League Kicks programme, teams from six football clubs in the south east joined AITC at the American Express Elite Football Performance Centre in Lancing for a regional tournament.

Albion star Adam Lallana surprised the kids with a visit during the tournament, stopping to hold a Q&A, watch the teams play, and pose for photos.

Lallana said: “I’ve really enjoyed coming to meet the kids today, I’ve met some really cheeky characters!

“Tournaments like this are so important for keeping kids active, and teaching them important skills they’ll need in life. Football can have a really big impact on young people’s lives.”

Youngsters from Portsmouth, Southampton, Reading, Southend United, Oxford United, Crawley Town FC, and of course the Albion all took part in a tournament designed to promote fair play and getting active.

Teams were awarded points for their match results, but also for displaying fair play throughout the day. The top performing teams from the tournament will be invited to take part in the National Finals this summer.

The youngsters were also invited to take part in workshops about responsible gambling and gaming, delivered by gambling awareness organisation YGAM.

Martin Schooley, Inclusion Manager at AITC, was pleased to see a great day of football.

“The kids have all had a great time here today. We’ve seen some amazing talent on display, and they’ve all played with sportsmanship and respect.”

Martin was full of praise for the Premier League Kicks programme, something he has helped deliver for many years.

Premier League Kicks began in the 2006/07 season, providing participants from high-need areas across England and Wales with a safe place to play football, and opportunities to develop valuable life skills.

The programme originally launched in conjunction with the Metropolitan Police, supporting them to create stronger, safer and more inclusive communities by involving young people in regular, positive and fun activity.

AITC deliver Kicks to hundreds of children all over Sussex living in areas of high need.

Martin said: “I’ve seen first hand the life-changing impact that Premier League Kicks has on young people. It keeps them out of trouble, and gives them something positive to focus on and look forward to.

“Premier League Kicks has been a consistent positive presence for young people in Sussex for many years.

“It’s truly amazing to see how much of an impact we can have on young lives every single day.”

Find out more about our work in Premier League Kicks: https://bhafcfoundation.org.uk/football-participation/weekly-sessions/community-sessions/

This article was written when our name was Albion in the Community. As of August 1 2023, we are the Brighton & Hove Albion Foundation.