The first national Kickz tournament will be taking place this Saturday at Stamford Bridge, home of Chelsea FC.
· With over 21,500 young people involved so far, Kickz is big these days!
· Young people from 39 Premier League and Football League clubs and their local communities competed for the title of regional champion at 10 different competitions.
· Barnet FC's Kickz project won the regional finals and is now set to play at Chelsea's Stamford Bridge, a once in a lifetime opportunity!
The tournament is part of 'It Doesn't Have To Happen Campaign'
· It Doesn't Have to Happen is an anti-knife campaign that has been developed with the help of young people. It aims to reduce youth knife crime and you can play your part by visiting: www.itdoesnthavetohappen.co.uk
· The tournaments are a great way for Kickz clubs across the country to get involved and raise awareness of the dangers of knife crime. We want to show that so many young people are doing great things both through Kickz projects and in their community.
· There'll be more information on the campaign and how knife crime affects young people at all of the Kickz projects and it doesn't end there. It is hoped that participants of the Kickz projects will spread the word about It Doesn't Have to Happen. Barnet Kickz project has an officer trained and support by the Home Office to deliver talks on personal safety and other issues around knife crime.
· The draw can be seen on http://www.footballfoundation.org.uk/our-schemes/kickz/idhth/draw-for-the-finals/
The teams in the under 16s finals are: Blackburn Rovers, Middlesbrough, Barnet, Reading, Sheffield United, Aston Villa, Charlton Athletic, Fulham, Manchester City, Chelsea, Oldham Athletic and Arsenal.
Entry is free on the day - it is an early start as the participants have to be there for 9.00am with the tournament set to start at 10.00am and finish by 1.30pm.
Barnet's FC Kickz project is taking a coach to the event, Janet Matthewson, Community Scheme manager said: "It will be an early start but the young people are really looking forward to it, it will be a great experience for those attending and participating. We wish the team every success - watch this space for the results!"
