Richard Luscombe Victory for Plymouth
February Half Term, the Argyle Community Trust Premier League Kicks Project hosted a regional Kicks tournament at Manadon Sports Hub.
The first of its kind for the South West, the tournament was between teams from Argyle Kicks (home and away), Cardiff City, Swindon Town, Exeter City and Cheltenham Town, of young people aged 16 – 18.
It was a 7 a side format with all teams being able to make unlimited substitutes.
Argyle Community Trust are celebrating their eleventh year of delivering the PL Kicks programme in Plymouth and Cornwall and welcomed over 60 participants to play the beautiful game.
PL Kicks Project Officer for Argyle Community Trust, Ben Hugill said: “We decided to host now that we have the Manadon facility that gives us the capacity to host tournaments.To have that on our doorstep helps us drive positive experiences for young people in Plymouth and potentially encourage a pathway into lifelong participation.”
PL Kicks uses football and other positive activities to engage young people, with more than 900 taking part in the programme over the last 12 months.
The project is about cutting crime and anti-social behaviour in various areas. Predominantly composing of football sessions, all participants are able to come and access further qualifications, courses and accreditations.
PL Kicks is delivered across the UK by 90 football clubs, which offers a unique experience for players to meet and learn from people they may never have met before.
“Before I came to PL Kicks, I didn’t feel like I belonged anywhere. The coaches and youth workers gave me all the time in the world, every week and made me feel at home,” explained Bailey an Argyle PL Kicks player.
As well as the action on the pitch, there was the opportunity for the players to try other activities as well attend a workshop about “Choices and Consequences”, which addressed topics such as knife crime, drugs, alcohol and relationships.
The day was a great example of how PL Kicks brings clubs and communities together, ensuring everyone feels welcome.
Ben Hugill added: “The day ran excellently, with surprisingly good weather! All football was played in the correct manner, with fantastic team performances, as well as individual displays. The tournament has received positive feedback with many teams asking when the next tournament will take place!”
After a competitive day of football, a thrilling finale was had and Plymouth (A) were crowned champions after winning 1-0 against Cheltenham.
