Boxing champion Ben Jones supports Crawley Kicks programme
Crawley Town FC Community Sports Foundation delivered an event to celebrate our summer Crawley Kicks pilot programme at Dorsten Square in Bewbush last week.
Together with Crawley Borough Council, Sussex Police, Crawley Boxing Club and Street360, 90 young people registered in total with around 50 attending each week by simply turning up and playing.
The initiative uses the power of football and the club’s brand to engage young people aged 12 and over and is funded by the Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner to set up and support the local area in reducing crime and instances of anti-social behaviour through positive activity.
Sessions include football each week with a variety of other sports added in including boxing.
The Foundation works closely with young people in supporting their development and offers a range of opportunities in volunteering, mentoring, workshops, coach education and training, places on the Club’s BTEC National Diploma in Sports course and into higher education, as well as future job possibilities.
Kicks was established in 2006 by the Metropolitan Police and Premier League to fund schemes and build local level partnerships to improve areas deemed high in crime and anti-social behaviour, and to give young people extended opportunities through their local football club.
Now a national scheme being delivered through over 100 projects, Crawley Town has embarked on its first such initiative to the delight of local residents.
Councillor for Bewbush Chris Cheshire said: “It was a popular night and offered a fresh format to entice young people. Kicks can make a positive contribution to the community through various activities, enthusiastic coaching and stimulating opportunities. The additional workshops can be slotted in seamlessly to help support community development."
Crawley Town player Ryan Richefond and boxer Ben Jones, the current WBO European Super Featherweight champion, showed their support by attending the event.
Crawley Town fan Ben fights for the IBA world title at the O2 Arena on Saturday and everyone at the club wishes him well for the fight.
Crawley Kicks takes place at Bewbush every Friday night between 7-9pm, and it’s completely FREE for young people aged 12 and over.
