New Premier League Kicks sessions launch at Stantonbury Leisure Centre
Young people in Milton Keynes can now access free football sessions at Stantonbury Leisure Centre after MK Dons Community Trust expanded its Premier League Kicks programme.
Funded by the Premier League Foundation, Premier League Kicks is a national initiative where boys and girls can access free football training sessions, plus mentoring, personal development, education and volunteering opportunities.
The new sessions are open to players of all backgrounds, aged between 11-18 and will take place between 5pm-6:30pm every Friday, providing more young people across Milton Keynes with a safe and supportive environment where they can develop new skills, build friendships and grow in confidence.
Adam Chicksen, former player for Dons and now PL Kicks Ambassador for the Trust, said: "It's great to Premier League Kicks Ambassador and to be a part of such an exciting programme.
“I would encourage anyone thinking about it to sign up and become part of a safe and supportive environment where you can develop new skills, build friendships and grow in confidence.
“A huge thank you has to go to the Premier League for investing in these young people and creating memories that will last a lifetime.
“Nothing like this was available when I was young, and it is great to see this opportunity for growth and development."
All playing abilities are welcome, the only requirement being to wear moulded boots and shin pads.
Fixtures and festivals are also organised to bring participants from EFL clubs together, with this year’s Premier League Kicks Cup held at St George’s Park – the home to all England national squads.
Naomi Wooding, Leisure Centre Manager at Stantonbury, said "Partnering with the MK Dons Community Trust to support Premier League Kicks is an incredible opportunity for our area.
“This programme is about so much more than just football, it gives our local young people a safe, welcoming space to stay active, build confidence, and learn from positive role models.
“Seeing the positive impact of these free, accessible sessions shows just how powerful sport can be in bringing our community together and opening up real pathways for the next generation."
As part of its Premier League Kicks delivery, the Trust partners with Thames Valley Police so participants can build positive relationships with local officers who help them feel safe and supported.
Workshops delivered by police officers include discussions on street safety and educational pieces on stop and search routines.
Sergeant Keith Fetherston, said: “As a MK Neighbourhood Sergeant, I am proud to support the MK Dons Community Trust’s Premier League Kicks programme, which provides young people with a safe, positive and inclusive environment to develop both on and off the football pitch.
“By supporting initiatives like Premier League Kicks, we help create opportunities for young people to build confidence, develop life skills and feel connected to their local community, whilst fostering positive relationships with their neighbourhood policing team.
“We have a team of PC’s and PCSO’s excited with the opportunity to work directly with MK Dons Community Trusts.”
Young people can sign up using the following link: https://tinyurl.com/3vt9njfr
For further information and to sign-up to a free Premier League Kicks session in Milton Keynes, email information@mkdonscommunitytrust.com or call 01908 62288.
Community centres interested in learning more about hosting Premier League Kicks partnership with MK Dons Community Trust can contact the same addresses.
