Celebrating the Premier League’s impact on grassroots football
The BHAFC Foundation is celebrating the More Than A Game campaign, which highlights the tremendous impact the Premier League has been able to have at all levels of football in England and Wales.
‘More Than A Game’ showcases the Premier League’s long-standing commitment to supporting the community activity of clubs at all levels of the game, as well as investing in other areas including the non-league system, grassroots facilities and women’s and girls’ football.
It also provides an opportunity to celebrate the 2.5 million people who have participated in Premier League-funded community programmes that are run by Premier League, EFL and National League clubs.
Premier League chief executive Richard Masters said: “It is thanks to the incredible football we see week in, week out in the Premier League that we are able to invest so widely in all areas of the game.
“This funding has been a priority for us for many years and, through ‘More Than A Game’, we showcase the significant impact this has had on both people and places.
“Premier League Kicks is our longest-standing community programme, and it has made a real difference to young people across the country. For 20 years it has helped change lives and we remain committed to supporting communities connected to clubs throughout the football pyramid.”
This season is the 20th anniversary of Premier League Kicks, which sees 93 Premier League, EFL and National League clubs delivering free weekly football and personal-development sessions.
Since the launch of the programme, which uses the power of football to inspire young people to reach their potential, more than 600,000 young people have participated at over 5,000 venues across England and Wales. Sessions take place in some of the most
under-served communities, supporting those who need it most.
An independent evaluation of Premier League Kicks found that 93 per cent of alumni believe the programme helped them get into less trouble and avoid negative influence, with 91 per cent learning more about the impact of crime and anti-social behaviour, helping to change attitudes and choices.
Crime and Policing Minister Sarah Jones said: “Premier League Kicks shows how powerful early, positive engagement can be in steering young people away from crime. For 20 years it has created safe, trusted spaces where young people can build confidence, find support and make better choices.
“This aligns with our focus on early intervention – through Violence Reduction Units, Young Futures and targeted action to reduce violence – so every young person has the chance to grow up safe and free from the harms of violence, exploitation and knife crime.
“We value the Premier League’s partnership in this mission and the role Premier League Kicks plays in strengthening communities and supporting young people to take the positive choice.”
Find out more about the Premier League programmes the Foundation runs in your area.