Kickz project is a winner
Date published: 19 March 2009
PC Anthony Leicester (left), PC Tim Carrow (right) and Paul Lannaccone (centre) with Shamas Ahmed (second left) and Jabed Rokib, who won awards for voluntary work
YOUNGSTERS across Oldham are lacing up their football boots to kick out bad behaviour for good.
The Kickz project is a national programme which uses football to help young people develop social skills and combat anti-social behaviour.
The Oldham Athletic project works with partners, including the police, Groundwork and Oldham Community Leisure, and has involved more than 100 youngsters from the Coldhurst area since it launched last October.
The latest Kickz event took place at Grange School sports centre recently.
As well as football sessions, young people can do art projects, football coaching and complete qualifications.
Sgt Paul Vickers, from the Oldham West Neighbourhood Policing team, said: “Sport has always been an effective tool in breaking down boundaries between cultures and age groups.
“This gives us an opportunity to work with young people and encourage them to talk to and help police make their communities safer.”
James Mwale, Kickz co-ordinator at Oldham Athletic Community Trust, said: “The main aim of Kickz is to work with young people aged between 12 and 18. The project has been successful in reducing anti-social behaviour.”
