Congratulations to Joe Hickman who has been named by County in the Community as the Premier League Kicks Hero as the youth outreach programme celebrates its 10-year anniversary.
The Premier League Kicks Heroes campaign celebrates ten years of the social inclusion programme with all 68 participating football clubs nominating an individual as their Kicks Hero. All the Heros are being immortalised as an illustration from Marvel Comics artist John McCrea
Joe has been recognised by the Exiles for his dedication to the programme. Attending weekly sessions in his local community, Joe is a great young person with lots of potential. Joe is a popular member of the group and this award gives him great recognition for his efforts.
His story has been immortalised in a comic illustration by renowned British Marvel Comics artist John McCrea, as part of the Premier League’s 10-year celebration of Kicks. Which you can view in the photo above.
Premier League Kicks is a youth outreach programme with the aim to create safer, stronger and more respectful communities through the development of young peoples’ potential, whilst giving young people access to facilities, coaching and mentoring.
In its first decade, Premier League Kicks has engaged more than 180,000 young people in weekly football, sport and personal development sessions held at local community venues across the UK. 68 Premier League, English Football League and National League clubs now run the programme.
PL Kicks is delivered across three areas of Newport. Sessions take place on a Monday in Bettws, Wednesday in Alway and Friday in the Newport Centre. Sessions are delivered in partnership with Newport Live and provide a safe environment for young people to attend, socialise with friends and test their skills against young people from other communities.
PL Kicks Coordinator Liam Jenkins said:
“Joe has been attending Kicks sessions since day one, he’s a lively young person and enjoys his football. Sessions are always competitive and Joe is there every week, laughing and joking with his mates. Premier League Kicks is making an impact across Newport and lets make sure it continues for years to come.
Premier League Executive Chairman Richard Scudamore said:
“Premier League Kicks delivers sessions for young people where they are needed most, connecting football clubs with their communities in a meaningful and sustainable way.
“The Kicks Heroes campaign allows us to highlight some of those inspiring individual stories – like Joe – and celebrate their achievements and thank the 68 Premier League, English Football League and National League clubs currently delivering the programme."