The Premier League is partnering with Barclays to support young people in the run-up to Christmas by funding Premier League Kicks Holiday Camps for eight to 18-year-olds.

The Millwall Premier League Kicks programme runs for 48 weeks throughout the year, providing free football coaching at 20 different locations such as ball courts in estates, youth clubs and Leisure centres throughout the London boroughs of Lewisham and Southwark. Through these weekly football sessions youth work and the mentoring of young people takes place with the end goal of creating opportunities for young people to develop skills and confidence. Furthermore the sessions are aimed at supporting young people to progress into positive pathways such as football teams and volunteering as well as create routes into education, training and employment.

The Holiday Camps, which will take place between Monday 21 and Wednesday 23 December, will feature 75 professional football club community organisations supporting young people who need it most, with access to sport and positive activities, as well as nutritious meals.

Millwall Premier League Kicks Officier Gary Otim commented: "It's great to have the support of the Premier League in providing free holiday camps alongside the nutrious meals that will be cooked for every participant that attends the camps across the three days. Christmas, for many will be a diffiicult period and so through the Kicks programme we will be able to further support our young people during a time where Kicks would normally be paused for the Christmas break."

Manchester United star Marcus Rashford MBE is an ambassador for the activity, which will support more than 4,500 young people after the break-up of schools for the holidays and the start of the Christmas period.

Rashford is himself a former Premier League Kicks participant, having taken part in Manchester United's Street Reds sessions. 

"I've always been proud to call football my profession," he said. "This game helped myself and my family out of very difficult circumstances.

"Football clubs sit in the heart of all communities and have the power to unite people. Their response to the pandemic has been incredible and it's now about building upon that momentum to support those who are most vulnerable this Christmas.

"Football cares, and I'm thrilled to have worked with the Premier League and Barclays on a programme that not only protects and supports, but enables young people to develop personal skills in areas like financial literacy, food and nutrition, and literacy."

The Premier League Kicks Holiday Camps are an extension of the weekly Kicks programme sessions that have been run by football club community organisations for 14 years.

Physical wellbeing

The camps will provide young people with a range of activities to support their physical wellbeing. Delivery will also look to enhance personal development through activity including Barclays Life Skills workshops on financial literacy.

“The importance of clubs within their communities has been more evident than ever this year," said Richard Masters, Premier League Chief Executive. "There has been a significant commitment to helping vulnerable groups within society, when they need our help the most.

"The Premier League Kicks Holiday Camps will build upon the brilliant community work that clubs continue to deliver year-round.

"Thank you to Barclays for their partnership on this vital activity for young people and to Marcus Rashford for being an ambassador; once again making a positive difference to support others. We hope that those taking part in the Premier League Kicks Holiday Camps enjoy themselves this Christmas."

Long-term impact

Premier League Kicks aims to engage children and young people of all backgrounds and abilities in football, sport and personal development sessions - providing a trusted, positive influence in high-need areas across England and Wales. Over 387,000 children have taken part in the programme since it launched in 2006.

"These Premier League Kicks Holiday Camps will help young people up and down the country with access to sport, nutrition and confidence boosting activities," Tom Corbett, Barclays Head of Sponsorship, said.

"That is why we are teaming up with the Premier League to offer our support, which comes in addition to our Community Aid Package for charities working in response to the pandemic. We hope to provide a real boost for many families by giving these young people an enjoyable and active week before Christmas."