Member Article

£21k Arch Homes funding to kick off Ashington football project

Newcastle United Foundation has been awarded £21k by Arch Homes to run a two year long programme of constructive football activity.

Newcastle United Foundation will use the funding to run its successful ‘Kicks’ project and a range of Lifestyles sessions focused on Arch Homes tenants.

Funding will facilitate sessions for 12-19 year olds in the area and will provide a much needed diversionary activity for local young people.

The programme, based at Hirst Welfare, will see up to 45 local young people take part each session in a mix of physical and classroom activities, aimed at helping them to achieve their goals through football.

The classroom activities include dealing with healthy lifestyle issues and raising awareness of the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse and violence.

Premier League Kicks is a partnership between the Premier League and Sport England to use the power of football to build safer, stronger communities.

Newcastle United Kicks already engages 250 young people every week. With the backing of Arch Homes the Foundation can now extend the project into South East Northumberland for the first time.

Head of Newcastle United Foundation, Kate Bradley, said: “We rely on funding and support from local companies to reach into local communities, so we are very grateful for the support which Arch Homes is providing.”

“In particular, the long term nature of the funding will allow us to become a key part of the local community and we will be able to add value to the funding over time. The funding will be used to deliver invaluable developmental and educational sessions, aimed at inspiring young people in the Ashington area and helping them to achieve their personal goals.”

Arch Chair and Deputy Leader of Northumberland County Council, Cllr Dave Ledger, said: “We are delighted to support this programme, the funding will help the local community within Ashington and embed a culture of sport development to inspire our young people.

“We are delighted our tenants and local residents will benefit from these recreational and educational sessions to help individuals achieve personal goals.”