Arsenal Kickz – Islington

Arsenal Kickz – Islington
Annual Report
1st December 2008 30th November 2009
The Project at a Glance:
accreditation achievement
partnership alternative ambitious
game
be safe workshops
breaking barriers
atmosphere
bowling
bbc your
boxing
building relationships
celebration coaches coaching community
community
concern competition confidence
certificate
agency
congratulation
contribution cross border
education elthorne
park emirates stadium employment engagement
enjoyment experience expressions fair play fire arms
cryuff court
workshop
dance development
fireworks fitness football fun
growth healthy lifestyles
gangs
involvement kickz awards
knife
crime workshop learning lifestyles week of peace
matches mentor nutrition opportunity outreach
panna participation partnerships personal
development photography physically healthy positive
contribution progress qualifications recognition
regeneration relationships residential
respect responsibility role model safety self
esteem sexual health skills support talent team
building team work tournaments training travelling trial
trust
volunteer
young people
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1.0 Executive Summary
This annual report covers the delivery of the Arsenal Kickz project at
Elthorne Park and Rosemary Gardens in Islington between 1st December
2008 and 30th November 2009. The executive summary below gives a
brief introduction, while the main sections of this report go onto detail:
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The programme aims and objectives
National and local agendas which the project contributes to
Partnerships
A project overview/activities summary
Project statistics
Case studies linked to Every Child Matters
Young peoples Journeys
Future plans
Arsenal in the Community manage and delivers six Kickz projects across 4
London boroughs; Islington (2), Camden (2), Hackney (1) and
Westminster (1). At the 2009 National Kickz Awards held at Wembley
Stadium; Arsenal Kickz was short listed for no fewer than 7 out of the 10
categories and came out winners in 2. The regeneration at Elthorne Park
won the 'Community Contribution Award' and five of the short listed
categories were for the Islington schemes; Supt. John Sutherland for
'Police Strategic Support', Charlene Jaroch - John for 'Young Person
Personal Achievement', Elthorne Park Girls for 'Female Team of the Year'
award and Arsenal came third in the overall 'Club of the Year'' category.
Please follow the link below to view footage of the Arsenal Kickz awards.
The 'ECM Positive Contribution' case study within this report also provides
details of the regeneration at Elthorne Park and reflects on the success of
this partnership achievement.
mms://premierleague.video.premiumtv.co.uk/20091203_kickz_awards_2
009_500K.wmv
Supt John Sutherland who was short listed for an award himself said,
"Elthorne Park is a place transformed. It is but one example of
thousands of success stories from Kickz projects across the
country."
The Islington projects at Rosemary Gardens (RG) and Elthorne Park (EP)
have both enjoyed a good year. The cross border activities at RG
encourage large numbers of Islington and Hackney young people to
attend football sessions on Monday & Friday evenings; there are regularly
up to 80 attending each evening. EP has continued to positively engage
challenging groups of young people and strong connections have
developed between staff and participants.
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As Arsenal in the Community celebrates its 25th anniversary this year;
the Kickz programmes continue to benefit from a wealth of experience
that help inform the approach. There is a clear focus on looking beyond
the activities and focussing on the development of young people. This can
be through volunteer, accreditation and employment opportunities or by
supporting participants with issues they face. We are proud to employ 13
part time staff that have progressed from participants; 9 of these were
NEET. We are also passionate about providing guidance to young people
as they grow up in an inner city area such as Islington. In this sense the
project staff are realistic about the place they have in the lives of young
people and understand the support required from partners to realise this
ambition.
Partnerships are central to the Kicz projects in Islington and we rely
heavily on the expertise, experience and commitment of a wide range of
partners from the statutory and voluntary sector. The project values the
support and recognises the important contributions that each organisation
makes towards these projects.
Kickz is a national programme which is currently delivered by 40
professional football clubs through their community departments, they
work in partnership with local authorities, police services and other
agencies to jointly own and guide projects and their development. The
programme has strong national multi-agency backing across Government,
the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) and the football industry.
Nationally there are 108 Kickz projects working across 19 regional police
services and 58 local authorities. The Kickz programme recently won the
prestigious 2009 Sport Industry Award for ‘Best Community Programme’.
"Winning a Sport Industry Award is no easy task so this recognition just
goes to show what a triumph Kickz has been nationwide. Everyone
working on Kickz has played their part and should be proud of the positive
impact they've had on the lives of tens of thousands of young people. I
want to congratulate Arsenal in the Community staff and their local
partners for their work in making Kickz the success story it is." Gerry
Sutcliffe MP, Minister for Sport
A detailed progress report on the national development and impressive
results of the Kickz programme can be found by downloading the National
Kickz report 2009 at: http://www.footballfoundation.org.uk/ourschemes/kickz/key-documents/
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2.0 Aims & Objectives
The overall vision of Kickz is to: ‘create safer, stronger, more respectful
communities through the development of young people’s potential’.
Arsenal Kickz is a 'Bottom Up' project that responds to local needs and
attempts to:
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Provide positive activities for young people
Build trusting relationships between staff and participants
Create routes into education, training and employment
Provide personal support to young people on the programme
To help break down barriers between police and young people
Develop a range of partnerships to help achieve the above
Year round, concentrated provision provides the foundation for project
delivery staff to positively engage young people. Flexible/alternative
activities such as workshops and developmental sessions cover a range of
key issues, from healthy lifestyles, to the dangers of getting involved in
drugs or carrying weapons.
3.0 National Agendas
Kickz meets a range of policy objectives and can be regarded as a crossGovernment initiative at national, regional and local levels. The
programme has a recognised ability to meet a range of policy objectives
across departments including the DCMS, DCSF, DWP, Home Office and
Department of Health.
By embracing a developmental (as opposed to simply ‘diversionary’)
approach, Arsenal Kickz helps reflect the Government’s 10 year youth
strategy ‘Aiming High’. It is also notable how well it matches with the ten
defining features of quality youth provision.
Furthermore, Kickz fits very well with best practice definitions of
successful youth practice recommended by a wide range of groups at
national and regional levels. For instance, the key themes in the London
Mayor’s 'Time for Action' document also align with the Kickz model; not
least in terms of working together, disseminating best practice, combating
the fear of youth and ensuring that quality and results matter.
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Along with providing targeted support, Kickz provides a significant
contribution to the Government's Every Child Matters agenda. The
programme has been developed to directly address each of the five
outcomes within the Every Child Matters framework to allow young people
to:
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Be healthy
Stay safe
Enjoy and achieve
Make a positive contribution
Achieve economic well being
Case studies included later within this report give examples of how this is
achieved. Outputs/outcomes are often connected to several and in some
cases, all five of the ECM outcomes for young people.
Paul Colwill from the Kickz Central Police Team understands Arsenal's
approach to this type of work:
"The Kickz projects delivered by Arsenal FC continue to be
amongst the very best in the country. This is due to the dedication
of the coaching staff and the organisational ability of the Arsenal
in the Community management. Participation levels have
continued to grow throughout the year with all age groups
thriving. The projects are located in areas where anti social
behaviour and youth crime have traditionally been problematic
issues. My Safer Neighbourhoods colleagues have reported that
Kickz is making a real difference for residents in these areas, but
most importantly they are seeing a change in the lifestyles and
attitudes of the participants as they benefit from the
developmental opportunities afforded by Arsenal's projects. This
has been a great year for Arsenal and Kickz, well done to all
involved."
Nationally, impressive trends have been recorded across the country in
terms of making a contribution to the objective of reducing crime and
anti-social behaviour in the target areas. Importantly this is achieved by
investing in young people to take ownership of their projects and
encouraging them to give back to their community. A clear and consistent
message from participants is that projects are improving the feeling of
safety and community spirit, particularly among young people.
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4.0 Local Agendas
Arsenal Kickz is engaging young people in target areas at key times and a
number of locally shared agendas and policy priorities are addressed.
Examples include providing significant contributions to national key
performance indicators and local targets for the Islington Strategic
Partnership. This includes:
• The Performance Framework where multiple indicators are addressed
under the Stronger Communities, Safer Communities and Children and
Young People headings.
• Islington Youth Service Performance Targets, particularly in terms of
contact, participation, recorded outcomes, accredited outcomes and
number of young people on the path to success.
• Standards for Positive Activities, providing excellent figures in terms of
access to sport (2hrs+), personal development and volunteering.
• Various objectives within Islington's Local Area Agreement including
employment, contributions to the NEET agenda and the reduction of reoffending rates & entrants into the criminal justice system.
The job of implementing national policy agendas with the right provision,
in the right places, at the right times, often falls to local authorities and
other local partners. Arsenal Kickz is confident that it is making multiple
contributions across different areas. More information on the national and
local agendas addressed by the Arsenal Kickz programme can be found by
downloading the national Kickz report at:
http://www.footballfoundation.org.uk/our-schemes/kickz/key-documents/
Project Location: Elthorne Park (Hillrise Ward) & Rosemary Gardens
(Canonbury Ward) Islington
Host club: Arsenal
Address: Highbury House, 75 Drayton Park, Islington, N5 1BU
Lead Contact: Freddie Hudson, Community Manager
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5.0 Key Partner Support
Partner Agencies
Partner
Islington Police
Support
Steering group
Chair/funding/strategic
support/operational support through
SNT/links to partnerships
Partner Testimony
Islington Police are fully supportive of the excellent work the AFC Kickz
team have done at both Elthorne Park and Rosemary Gardens Kickz
projects. I would like to highlight the tremendous work being done
currently in successfully engaging both Hackney and Islington youths at
the Rosemary Gardens project.
Islington Council
Support received from a wide range
of agencies as
below/funding/strategic &
operational support/access to
expertise & support for young
people/
Partner Testimony
Arsenal in the Community
Project management/office &
administration/staff/training/facilities
Partner Testimony
Arsenal in the Community has a long history of developing social inclusion
programmes. We have a real interest in using them to attempt to support
young people with the challenges they face. Kickz has provided another
opportunity for us to reach more young people and work with other
partners to support our efforts.
Islington Young People's Drug
& Alcohol Service
Steering Group members. Sub group
members re funding. Access to
young peoples drug & alcohol
workers.
Partner Testimony
Arsenal Kickz provides positive activities to young people in the London
Borough of Islington. It provides a space to develop their talents with
further opportunities for education and training. Islington, Camden and
Westminster Drug Action Teams have now provided training to enable
staff to give young people involved In Kickz honest and accurate
information about substance misuse issues and sources of support. This
has been a good starting point and the Islington Young Peoples' Drug and
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Alcohol Service will be building on these opportunities to engage young
people around substance misuse in the coming year.
Islington Leisure Team
Steering group member/capital
funding/advice &
guidance/operational & strategic
support/facility support/access to
anti social behaviour reports in parks
Partner Testimony
Arsenal Kickz has developed the local community in Islington in many
different ways beyond the parameters of the scheme including
regenerating local parks sports facilities through to the wider social
outcomes of making communities feel a sense of ownership of these
spaces and feeling safer which in turn allows other target audiences to
benefit.
Islington Youth Offending
Service
Referrals/access to young
people/advice/
Partner Testimony
The YOS continues to support the Kickz programme and encourages all
YP that are being supported by the prevention team to access the very
positive activities within the borough that the Kickz programme offers.
We look forward to building on this in the coming year.
Cambridge Education @
Islington
Access to facilities/advice &
guidance/partnership links
Partner Testimony
Having such a successful project based at Mount Carmel Technology
College for a temporary period was proof that schools and community
projects can work together to benefit young people outside of curriculum
time. Cambridge Education at Islington are pleased to be associated with
this excellent project and will do all it can to support the project in the
future
Access 2 Sports Project
Delivery partner/training
provider/access to accredited
courses
Partner Testimony
The Kickz project has had a great impact in Islington, offering young
people important opportunities to participate in new sporting activities
but also to develop new skills and abilities sporting and non – sporting.
For instance the project has helped many young people to gain
qualifications as sports coaches. We have also seen new participants in
tournaments such as the Islington Community Cup held during the
holiday periods as a result of the Kickz Programme activities.
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Canonbury Youth Project
Steering Group member/alternative
provision/access to young people/
Partner Testimony
The kickz project has supported young people from Islington and
Hackney, who in the past have been at loggerheads with each other
participate in training and football matches together. The project has
helped break down barriers and provides a platform to discuss football
skills, teams etc rather than who comes from what postcode. In the past
the park was used as neutral ground for local gangs to meet up and fight
it out – with the improvements and regular activities taking place in the
park it is no longer a dead end place!
Islington Primary Care Trust
Staff training re C-Card
Scheme/sexual health/condom
distribution partners
Partner Testimony
C-Card Team and Islington Pct are thankful to Arsenal Kickz project for
their keen participation and making the scheme a success.
Choice FM
Support alternative activities
Partner Testimony
The Peace on the Streets event at the Emirates was a great success. It
interacted with young people who could be deemed 'hard to reach'. More
events of this nature are needed.
Springboard Islington Trust
Access to training & education
provision
Partner Testimony
We are delighted to support the very important work that Arsenal does as
part of its Kickz programme which is making a real impact in diverting
young Islington people away from crime and anti-social behaviour.
Islington Children's
Safeguarding Board
Advice re safeguarding/access to
training/support
Partner Testimony
Arsenal Kickz is a key member of the Islington Safeguarding Children
Board Sports Safeguarding Network. They have been instrumental in
developing Islington's Safeguarding / Child Protection Policies and
Procedures for Sports Clubs.
Islington Football Partnership
Advice & guidance re football
development
Partner Testimony
Arsenal Kickz brings positive activities to young people and not only
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engages them but has also led to training and employment opportunities
in the borough.
The Johan Cryuff Foundation
Funding/facility upgrade
Partner Testimony
The partnership between Arsenal and the Johan Cryuff Foundation is
unique and very successful. We are very happy to have a local partner
that has got such a strong connection with the youth and is active on a
daily basis. The Kickz programme is a very good example for community
workers in the Netherlands.
Islington Youth Engagement
Team
Strategic & operational
support/guidance re young people &
groups/delivery support/partnership
links
Partner Testimony
The MPS have a long association with Arsenal Kickz Project and value the
tremendous work that it is doing with young people. The Arsenal Kickz
programme is making a big difference in the Club's local community by
providing numerous opportunities for young people to engage in the
innovative programmes that they run including the Arsenal's Kickz project
at Elthorne Park which recently received the Community Contribution
Award presented by Barclays Premier League Referee Chris Foy.
Islington Detached Youth
Team
Advice re young people/local
knowledge/partnership
developments
Partner Testimony
The Detached Youth Workers value this provision as it helps us to
signpost young people into positive activities which are local to the young
people and contributes towards positive outcomes for our most
vulnerable, at risk young people.
Islington Anti Social Behaviour Advice re young people/partnership
Team
links/delivery partner
Partner Testimony
The fire work awareness event was a good example positive partnership
working. It was a good opportunity to get across a serious message about
fire work misuse. Also that Arsenal organised the tours was a big draw
along with other partners that delivered the message with good activities
for young people.
Homes for Islington
Partnership
developments/satisfaction surveys
residents & young people/strategic
advice
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Partner Testimony
The Arsenal Kickz programme continues to make a big difference to
young people in Islington. The partnership work between Arsenal and
Homes for Islington is a very important and vital part of our youth
engagement strategy. Feedback from participants of activities is always
very positive and residents support future developments in this area.
6.0 Funding
The current year's funding has been provided by; the football industry
£41,500, Islington Police £10,000, Islington Community Safety Unit
£10,000 and Islington Council £20,000.
The funding secured to date will allow provision to continue until April
2010. From this point, further funding is required to match those funds
already secured. The Islington Kickz project is therefore looking to secure
an additional £41,500 to match that provided by the football industry and
allow the current level of provision to continue until April 2011.
7.0 Project Overview
This section of the report provides an insight into the approach that the
project has adopted, it is one that has been informed by the experiences
of Arsenal in the Community over the past 25 years.
Despite the obvious connection to football this is not the projects primary
focus. We have worked hard to establish the programme as one that
places its first priority in providing support to young people. Football and
many other activities are purely a means of engagement. Once engaged
trusting relationships between delivery staff and participants are
developed. Once this has been established the project aims to make
positive contributions to participant’s development.
Arsenal Kickz in Islington has grown rapidly since October 2006 when the
Elthorne Park project began; the second project at Rosemary Gardens
was added in March 2008. Each venue has been carefully selected by the
partnership with a number of considerations in mind.
Elthorne Park is situated in the north of the borough in the Hill Rise ward.
The park and local community have faced a number of issues over the
years; there was secluded sections frequented by street drinkers and
drug users and there were also concerns around sex trade activities
taking place. Sight lines into the park were limited and at night it was
poorly lit. The football area was a concrete surface that was in need of
repair and suffered from vandalism through the burning of mopeds for
example. When wet, the playing area became slippery making it difficult
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to maintain sports activities during the winter months. Generally the park
was uninviting and not seen as a safe place for local people to enjoy.
The Kickz project has been the catalyst for a remarkable piece of
regeneration at Elthorne Park with large numbers of young people
engaged through the programmes activities. A donation of 100,000 Euros
by Arsenal legend Dennis Bergkamp prompted Islington Council to add a
further £186,000 to carry out much needed improvements. The Cryuff
Foundation’s pitch model was adopted and a new basketball court laid.
Wider works transformed the whole park to make it a far more attractive
and inviting place. In recent times Islington has continued their
investment by adding a ‘Green Gym’ to the facilities.
The Rosemary Gardens project was also selected by the partnership as an
area that was in need of youth provision and facility investment. Different
from the needs of Elthorne Park but as important; Rosemary Gardens is
situated in the south of Islington in the Canonbury ward close to the
border of neighbouring Hackney. Historically there has been cross border
tensions between youth groups stretching back decades; although
thankfully the current decade has not seen a return to these problems.
The project attracts large numbers of young people from Hackney and
Islington with up to 80 attending on Monday & Friday evenings.
Arsenal in the Community was able to direct £600,000 from Premier
League sponsors Barclays as part of their ‘Spaces for Sports’ initiative.
Another £345,000 was added by Islington Council. The investment has
transformed an old cinder pitch into a third generation artificial surface
with dressing room facilities on site.
Arsenal Kickz has become a leading social inclusion project which
is receiving national recognition. We were pleased to feature so
prominently in this year’s national Kickz Awards held at Wembley
Stadium. The Islington schemes were short listed in five different
categories and were delighted to win the ‘Community Contribution Award
for the regeneration at Elthorne Park. This is a well deserved accolade for
the partnership which has worked hard over the past three years.
A DVD of Arsenal Kickz in Islington can be viewed at:
www.arsenal.com/kickzproject
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8.0 Project Statistics
.0. Statistics
Number of Young People in contact during
reporting period
449 100%
Number of Young People registered since Kickz
began
612
N/A
7989
N/A
Aggregate contact hours at Sessions
20081:00
N/A
Average Contact Hours (per Young Person)
44:43:25
N/A
713:30
N/A
Aggregate attendance at Sessions
Number of session hours delivered in reporting
period
Demographic - Gender
Male
Female
381 84.86%
68 15.14%
Demographic - Age
Not specified
263 58.57%
13 and 14
57 12.69%
15 and 16
39
8.69%
17 and 18
35
7.80%
11 and 12
28
6.24%
Older than 18
22
4.90%
5
1.11%
Younger than 11
Demographic - Ethnicity
Not Specified
237 52.78%
White
86 19.15%
Black
79 17.59%
mixed black
27
6.01%
mixed race
5
1.11%
Asian
5
1.11%
Turkish
2
0.45%
Other
2
0.45%
White African
1
0.22%
Sudanese
1
0.22%
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Kosovan
1
0.22%
North African
1
0.22%
Mixed Asian
1
0.22%
Arab
1
0.22%
9. Impact
Impact - Outcomes
Makes regular significant contributions towards
project activities
302
Enrolled as volunteer
79
Attended anti-crime/safety workshop(s)
36
Participated in competitive and/or representative
football matches/tournament
18
Gained employment/work experience with host
football club
6
Gained employment/work experience (other than
with host football club)
2
Referred to Princes' Trust Get into Youth Work
Programme
2
Other
2
Left the area
1
Gained employment
1
British Rowing - Indoor Rowing Training
1
Impact - Qualifications
FA LEVEL 1
24
Child Protection
21
First Aid
21
FA Level 2
5
Life Guard
2
Level 1 Youth Work
2
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Volunteer Statistics
Headline Numbers
Number of Volunteers in contact during
reporting period
59
Total number of short term Volunteers
52 88.14%
Total number of part time Volunteers
Aggregate number of volunteering
opportunities
100%
7 11.86%
140
100%
Short Term Volunteering
Aggregate number of short term 'new' volunteering opportunities listed
for each volunteering type
Refereeing / officiating at sessions
45
Administration at session
21
Assisting the club Coaching staff e.g. warm ups,
basic drills, low level coaching.
14
Assist in involved setting up of sessions e.g.
portable pitches / lighting etc
3
Leading Sessions
2
Aggregate number of short term 'ongoing' volunteering opportunities
listed for each volunteering type
Refereeing / officiating at sessions
18
Administration at session
6
Assisting the club Coaching staff e.g. warm ups,
basic drills, low level coaching.
2
Part time Volunteering
Aggregate number of part time 'new' volunteering opportunities listed for
each volunteering type
Refereeing / officiating at sessions
9
Administration at session
7
Assisting the club Coaching staff e.g. warm ups,
basic drills, low level coaching.
5
Assist in involved setting up of sessions e.g.
portable pitches / lighting etc
1
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10. Every Child Matters
The Every Child Matters (ECM) national framework has become an
important Government policy for local authority provision across the
country. Kickz is very well positioned to deliver against the agenda, with
an abundance of case studies available at projects. Outputs/outcomes are
often connected to several and in some cases, all five of the ECM
framework strands. A small number of ECM case study examples are
highlighted within this section.
Being Healthy
YOUNG PEOPLE & SEXUAL HEALTH
Arsenal Kickz delivery staff receive a range of training designed to equip
them with a basic awareness of some of the issues that young people
face. The training is not intended to make them experts but it does widen
their knowledge and provides an understanding around the topic areas.
This is important because it allows front line workers to engage in
conversations with young people if the opportunity arises and enables
them to respond to requests for help. It also adds to the growing skills set
as we make more demands on our delivery staff to move beyond an
activity based programme.
DELIVERY STAFF RECEIVING SEXUAL HEALTH TRAINING
‘Pulse’ has provided sexual health training for Arsenal Kickz staff which
has proven valuable to our work in Islington. In the case of Marsha it
paved the way for some genuine targeted support.
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“Marsha wasn’t her usual bubbly self at the session so I waited
for the right moment to ask her if all was ok. She broke down and
told me she was pregnant and didn’t know what to do. She
wouldn’t tell her family or friends which placed a huge
responsibility on me.” Arsenal Kickz Worker
Attempting to provide support for young people is an approach the
project has adopted. Staff can sometimes be well placed to pick up on
signs that a young person may be experiencing difficulties and this is one
example. What was really important in Marsha’s circumstances was the
way staff responded. The situation was beyond our expertise but at the
same time we realised we had an important role to play in supporting
Marsha. The partnership approach is crucial to the success of the project
and here in particular.
The first step was to make contact with Dan at Pulse; we had developed a
good relationship with him during recent times and the training had
provided the knowledge of the appropriate referral pathway. We referred
Marsha for expert help but she still didn’t want her family to know and we
had to respect this.
The project management had a number of concerns other than the
immediate and longer term needs of Marsha; we also had to consider the
vulnerability of the staff member that Marsha had confided in. It was a
male member of staff and we needed to consider any emotional
attachment Marsha might develop. There was also concern around the
impact on the staff member and we had to consider carefully the
boundaries in such a sensitive set of circumstances.
Pulse supplied the expertise and counselling and Kickz provided the
individual support. Step by step Marsha was able to deal with the
situation and make informed decisions about the choices she faced. Pulse
also provided a crucial role in supporting the Kickz staff member at every
stage.
After careful consideration Marsha decided to have a termination.
Unfortunately there were complications with the initial treatment and a
second more invasive procedure was required. At this point Marsha was
persuaded to tell her older sister who was very supportive throughout the
final stages of this process.
Marsha is now doing well and is coming to terms with recent events. As
she moves on, Kickz staff are providing support and she is grateful of
that.
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“Without the help of the Kickz staff I don’t know who I would
have turned to. It was very hard to go through that and I don’t
know if I could have done it without help.”Marsha
Arsenal Kickz is continually learning as it grows and experiences like this
are proving valuable to the development of the project and the skills set
of staff. We are realistic about the project’s role and the part it can
sometimes play in the lives of young people. Partnerships with other
agencies join up the approach and we understand and appreciate this.
C-CARD SCHEME
Through our partnership with Pulse the project has now become part of
the C-Card Scheme in Islington. This scheme is an outreach sexual health
project that offers free contraception and access to sexual health advice.
"Arsenal Kickz's good reputation, knowledge and
understanding of working with young people makes it an
attractive platform for the Islington PCT in the free provision
of sexual health services. C-Card Team and Islington PCT are
thankful to the Arsenal Kickz project for their keen participation
and making the scheme a success." Dr Nayab Khan, Health
Improvement Specialist, Islington C-Card Scheme, Brook London.
SEXUAL HEALTH AWARENESS RESOURCES
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In a recent letter to relevant agencies, Siobhan Hawthorne, Teenage
Pregnancy Coordinator for Islington provided some background to the
situation in Islington:
“70% of teenage conceptions in Islington ended in termination
(2007), which is an increase on previous years and suggests that
most of the pregnancies are unplanned and could have been
prevented.”
Arsenal Kickz has been proactive regarding sexual health training having
already sought this for project delivery staff.
TRAINING WAS INFORMATIVE
Siobhan also explains Islington’s plans:
“We will be providing training for all staff working with young
people so they are better able to address teenage pregnancy
issues and provide more targeted support to vulnerable
teenagers.”
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ARSENAL KICKZ STAFF AT PULSE TRAINING
Stay Safe
A WIDER APPROACH TO STAYING SAFE
There is often no better way to gain a feel for a project than through the
voices of participants and those that are close to the scheme. This case
study attempts to use these voices to demonstrate our connection to the
‘Staying Safe’ strand of the Every Child Matters agenda.
Contributions to staying safe have come in a number of different forms;
the upgrading of the facilities transforming them into safe spaces, access
to accreditation & employment, awareness raising and targeted support to
those deemed to be at risk or in need of help.
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PROVIDING SAFETY ADVICE
“Unfortunately I was involved in some bad issues around my area
mixing with the wrong people and doing things I deeply regret,
but since talking with Jamie I have managed to turn my life
around and am now looking to direct young people away from the
path I was on and to be more positive in my local area.” BD
Participant
“Younger’s can play in a safe area now and not feel like they will
get attacked from a crazy drunk or druggie.” TK Participant
“The park was dark and rubbish you would never walk alone in
the park because you thought you would get attacked.” TG
Participant
“I know I can call and talk anytime for advice on loads of things it
feels good to have that.” KD Participant
“The UK has been criticised in the Children’s Commissioners
report to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child
(2008). Among the claims are that young people are portrayed
negatively and demonised especially in the media. When large
numbers of young people hang around it can feel intimidating; yet
when they hang around organised activities, the perception is that
they are involved in something constructive. In this sense perhaps
Kickz activities not only positively engage young people, they also
help to counter some of these negative perceptions.”
Freddie Hudson, Arsenal in the Community Manager
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IT'S OK TO HANG AROUND
“I wasn’t in a good place before I started the project and at first
thought that it was not for me but from talking to the coaches I
managed to focus and start turning my life around. I now have a
bigger appreciation for the project and for what it has given me in
direction for my life.” BL Participant
“The project has allowed young people to play in a safe area when
before we had a concrete pitch and had burnt out peds and drug
users in the park.” KF Participant
“The park was full of loser drug dealers and users and full of
drunks I would not go in the park before and would never let any
of my mates or sister go there.” JS Participant
Enjoy and Achieve
PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES & MAINTAINING ENGAGEMENT
Once young people are engaged in the programme it is important to keep
them interested because it’s this engagement that provides delivery staff
with the opportunity to get to know participants and ultimately support
them where necessary.
"The project is wicked it gives us the chance to do loads of
different things that I've never done before." HM Participant
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ARSENAL TRAINING GROUND VISIT
We use a wide range of activities to support this approach and have found
the variety helps to keep the project fresh.
"I played at the Arsenal training pitch where the players train." TL
Participant
"They came with a big blow up pitch and we had a 1v1
tournament. I showed off my skills and enjoyed it." DM
Participant.
The approach isn't particularly scientific. Young people usually respond
well to someone that takes a genuine interest in them and gives them an
opportunity to enjoy themselves. Couple this with a decent role model
and it can help children to thrive.
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CREATING EXCITEMENT THROUGH VARIETY
Young people appreciate the opportunities provided especially when the
events are special such as playing at the Emirates.
PLAYING AT THE EMIRATES
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SOMETHING DIFFERENT
When these activities include representing their project in a match or
tournament it can add excitement and a feeling of pride.
“I like repin my area in tournaments and matches.” TB Participant
REPRESENTING THEIR AREA
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Make a Positive Contribution
NATIONAL KICKZ AWARD – COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTION WINNER
In last years report we featured the facility upgrades at Elthorne Park.
The regeneration has provided significant benefits to the local community
and tangible outcomes for the partnership. It demonstrates what is
possible when agencies come together and work to their strengths.
Two former participants who are now working for the project remember
the park as it used to be:
“The park has allowed us to play football in a safe environment as
before we would have big issues with the street drinkers and now
we have none due to them not being there because of the park”
Aaron
“The park has broken down loads of barriers with different people
coming into the park to play football, we now enjoy the prospect
of playing different people with my mates but before we would
have been protective of the park” Kyle
KICKZ AWARDS COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTION WINNER
Noel Headon (Islington Leisure) and Alison Blackburn (Islington
Anti Social Behaviour Manager) collect the national award at
Wembley Stadium.
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The regeneration is making a difference:
“The project has allowed families to enjoy the park again, when
growing up I was not allowed in the park without my big brother
but talking with friends around the area they are happy to allow
the younger guys in the park when the sessions are going on due
to the positive impact the kickz has had on the local people and
area” Keelie
FACILITIES ARE IMPORTANT FOR UNBROKEN ENGAGEMENT
Continuous engagement is an important factor when it comes to this type
of provision and appropriate facilities are central to this. The old facility at
Elthorne Park was not fit for purpose which resulted in erratic attendance
during the winter months because the surface became slippery when wet
and young people didn’t want to play on it. The area was also used by
local youths to burn motor bikes which damaged the pitch.
"The Kickz has allowed the Elthorne park community to have a
sense of belonging again and to be proud of the local area again,
the regeneration of the park has brought so much activity to the
park unlike when it was run by drug dealers and alcoholics.” Ertan
THE REMAINS OF A BURNT MOTORBIKE
“The park has transformed people’s views in the area where
before the park was looked upon as a drug den and a prostitutes
play ground but now with all the positive activity in the park it has
driven all the bad out of the park." Rebecca
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"Without the Kickz project at Elthorne Park LBI would not have
been able to regenerate the parks facilities with a major capital
investment and to a high standard. The project attracts a huge
proportion of female participants (over 40%) which has
help make the park more inviting and welcoming to the local
community. There are also positive role models." Noel Headon,
Islington Leisure
Arsenal in the Community was delighted to be able to direct 100,000
Euros from Dennis Bergkamp’s Testimonial match at the Emirates.
Islington Council added £186,000 to complete wider regeneration to the
park which has transformed the area.
The Johan Cryuff Foundation guided the artificial upgrade and Noel
Headon from Islington Council worked tirelessly to raise the additional
funds and then went onto expertly project manage the whole
development.
The Arsenal Kickz programme is a very good example for
community workers in the Netherlands. Carole Thate, Director,
Johan Cryuff Foundation
Here is what Nicola and Ryan (both now employed by the programme)
have to say about the development:
"Elthorne park was a dump before the new pitch was put in but
now I would be happy to walk through at night and not be scared
but before no persons would walk through with fear of attack”
Nicola
“Kicks has brightened up the area with the injection of a new
pitch and lights for the park, I know lots of young people around
the area that didn’t like to come into the park with all the issues
around it but now when I walk through on a weekend I can see all
the fun that is in the park and how the park it used every day of
the week till late.” Ryan
Achieve Economic Wellbeing
FAST TRACK TO EMPLOYMENT – A DIRECT APPROACH
The project has a direct, fast track approach to employing participants.
We are very proud to have 13 young people that have progressed form
participants now working part time (6 began employment within this
reporting period) with Arsenal Kickz and other Arsenal in the Community
projects; some up to sixteen hours each week. There are also four that
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have achieved employment locally after gaining accreditation and
volunteer opportunities with the scheme.
Pictured below are all thirteen young people that have come through the
Kickz project. After gaining accredited qualifications and volunteer
experience they are all now employed part time by the project. It is worth
noting that nine of the thirteen were not in any form of education training
or employment.
Results speak for themselves and these outcomes reflect a genuine
commitment by the project towards young people on the programme. We
are also making a contribution towards local employment and the NEET
agenda.
GLODIS
“I have been through a lot with things over the last 6-12 months
and without the help of all at arsenal and on the project I don’t
think I would be doing what I do now it would have been easy for
people to just turn away but you haven’t and I am very grateful”
Glodis
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NICOLA
“My mum was very worried that I was not going to get a job and
do something positive but now working for Arsenal and earning
some money I can help out with the rent as before my mum would
struggle to get me the things that I needed. I want to be a teacher
and now I can see the power of positive role models can be and I
want to inspire young people to choose the correct path” Nicola
ERTAN
“The opportunity that arsenal kickz has given me is beyond words.
I have grown up in areas that have had lots of issues and I have
seen a lot of silly things but it is the first time that I have seen a
project make such a big impact on peoples lives. All the good that
can be given back is amazing and can help to build for the future
generations I am so happy to be able to show young people the
correct way to act.” Ertan
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LUKE
“Without the project I would not be in a position to help my family
out with money each week I am the only person who works in my
family and that is massive because I have two younger brothers
who I can show how to do better things if you work hard” Luke
BORIS
“Without the help of the project and the support I don’t think I
would be half as confident as I am with talking to people on a
weekly basis and dealing with problems in a professional manner.
I have learnt that if you have problems you need to discuss them
and get your points of views across in a professional way” Boris
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TOMMY
“If Arsenal kickz did not give me this opportunity to work and
make some money to help my mum out I can honestly say I would
be doing illegal things to make money but this way I can look to
make a future for myself and make my mum proud” Tommy
JOY & BECKIE AT WORK
“When I first got the opportunities to work for Kickz I jumped at
the chance because I could see what positive impact the coaches
were making and wanted to be a part of it. I gained great
communication skills and the confidence to pursue my goal and
become a nursery teacher which I’m doing now. It was due to the
skills I learnt through the project” Beckie
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“Kickz has really made me feel like a part of my community. I
have been able to engage with young people from various
backgrounds. I feel proud that I am part of Kickz and have been
able to be a positive part of many young peoples lives.” Joy
KYLE
"I love football and Arsenal helped me get a coaching
qualification. I'm working for Kickz now helping some of the
younger ones. I never thought I would be doing something as
good as this." Kyle
KEELIE WITH A GROUP AT WEMBLEY
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“I can say hand on hart that if it wasn’t for the Kickz and the
coaches I would not be doing what I love. I always wanted to help
young people and when they gave me the opportunity to do this I
said yes straight away. This has allowed me to gain full time
employment with Islington Council as a youth worker. What
Arsenal kickz do for young people is massive and can never be
underestimated” Keelie
RYAN AT WEMBLEY STADIUM
“Kickz as a whole has done a lot for me with time investment and
money to allow me to follow the path I am on. I hope that I can
repay back that by being a positive role model for all young people
I engage throughout my career.” Ryan
PATRICK
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“Working as a football coach is my ideal job. I was not good at
school and left early and didn’t get a job and hung around my flats
sometimes up to rubbish. I got involved in football with the kickz
and they asked me about getting back into college but I didn’t
want to. They asked would I like to go on a FA Level 1 coaching
course and I said yes. I was a bit scared but I went and passed. I
started to do volunteering on the project and now am employed I
only do around 4 hrs per week but I know if I work hard I can get
more hours and be something.” Patrick
AARON
“This has allowed me to show my mum that I can get a job and
keep it. I have now been in work for 10 months and am a Level 2
coach with the prospect of leading on sessions. I would never
have thought I would have been able to keep it up but now want
to move on to the next level with the help of the coaches.” Aaron
After a successful application to the Department for Work & Pensions
‘Future Jobs Fund’ we will be able to offer employment opportunities to
the long term unemployed. Coupled with other Arsenal in the Community
provision around BTEC, E2E, Gap Year and Foundation Degree courses,
we hope to play our part with these contributions to this important area.
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11. Young People's Stories
Young People's Stories
SOMEONE TO TURN TO
This case study highlights how well placed project staff can sometimes be
in supporting young people when they experience problems in their
personal life. It reflects on the journey that Angela has travelled over the
past year and a half.
Angela first became involved in the Kickz programme at a time when she
was mixing with other young people in and around the local area that
were known to the police. Shortly after engaging Angela was arrested,
convicted of assault and placed on a tag for 9 months.
During this period Angela began to confide in a staff member at the
project and didn’t know what to do. Together a plan was put in place
which included a volunteer placement and an accredited qualification in
youth work. This was the projects attempt to keep her positively occupied
at a difficult time. Soon afterwards Angela became pregnant causing
tensions at home between Angela and her family which resulted in her
moving out.
“I didn’t speak with my mum for ages we fell out when I got
pregnant and I had to move out, Kickz helped me with the forms
and paper work I needed and they also put me on some training.
Since I have shown my mum I can get on courses and complete
them we are on very good terms and talk regularly on the phone.”
When a number of circumstances come together at once the impact on
the life, particularly of a young person, can be devastating. Angela can be
proud of the way she has coped coming through a very difficult period in
her life.
Angela explains:
“I look back at what my life was a year ago and don’t like what I
see. I couldn’t understand why I was like I was but I look in the
mirror now and I like what I see. I want to help others who might
be going down the wrong track as I did and help them make
correct choices and I want to be a good role model for my little
daughter”
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Now living on her own with her daughter, Angela continues to volunteer
at Elthorne Park when she can and remains a valuable asset to the
project. Her background and experiences enable her to give advice to
others and she has formed a great relationship with many participants
and project staff.
“I ring the staff all the time about stuff like courses, voluntary
work and what the best steps are to take to get into work, I speak
to them more than I speak to my sister.” Angela
Angela is a member of the London Kickz Youth Panel and would like to
work as a youth worker. The staff are all very proud of how she has
handled herself through a very difficult period of her young life:
“To see what Angela has become is fantastic. She is now a self
motivated young person with a fantastic drive to succeed and has
gained qualifications in football coaching and youth work and is
looking to en-roll on a FA Level 2 course in the coming months.
Angela is now a great role model for young people and it shows
that with a lot of hard work and commitment you can achieve
what you want. Jamie Monteith, Arsenal Kickz
Here is what Angela had to say during an interview for this report:
How did you find out about the Kickz project?
My sister and friends.
What were your first impressions of the project?
My first thoughts were that the program was only going to run for
football and it was no benefit to me.
What are your impressions now?
From participating in the project and volunteering on it I can see
it’s not just football it helps young people to achieve different
things.
What is your place on the project now?
If I could I would attend most nights but I have a baby and she
comes first. I am more of a volunteer on the project now and am
looking to get as many qualifications as I can to make me more
desirable to employ.
How did you find the Youth Work and FA Level 1 courses?
I found it ok but at first thought I would not pass. I’m not that
great at football but when I was on the course I understood that
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all the people wanted me to pass unlike when I was at school I
didn’t get on with my teachers that much.
How do you like volunteering on the project?
At first I was a bit scared but when I was at sessions Jamie asked
me to just talk to the young people and see what they say. I
started talking and found out that some of the things I was doing
they were doing so I was able to point out what might happen.
You travel around London working on various Kicks meetings, how does
that make you feel?
I like representing Arsenal kickz at meetings it allows me to say
and give my views and also to talk to other people about
situations and what courses they are going on, I like to ask
questions because they might want to do what I want to do
(Youth Work).
How would you say you feel now doing volunteer work with us?
I love it and it keeps me occupied and busy. If I wasn’t doing this
I would be sitting at home not motivated.
Do you think you have changed as a person since being involved with
Kickz?
Yes in a massive way, I was an angry person before this and not
knowing what I wanted to do and now I have loads of stuff I want
to do and achieve.
What would you be doing now if you weren’t with Kickz?
I really don’t know and don’t want to think about that I only am
looking at the positive and not the negatives in life.
What do you think of the changes in your life?
Well I have a chance to give back a little and to be a great role
model to my little girl.
What are your plans for the future?
To get a job!! And to get more qualifications to keep going
forward.
The project will continue to contribute to Angela’s development where
possible and support her when needed.
8.0. Future Plans
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Activities/schemes of work
Two nights each week at Rosemary Gardens and four nights at Elthorne
Park provide the foundation to engagement and enables staff to get to
know young people and grow trusting relationships.
The project also offers regular boxing, dance and girls only sessions along
with opportunities to participate in other activities such as residential
trips, bowling, photography, bike building and cinema visits.
Other activities have included formal and informal work shops around
personal safety, guns, knives and fireworks. The project is aware of the
need to offer a variety of activities to maintain interest and this approach
also provides an opportunity for staff and young people to get to know
each other. We have found that residential trips provide an ideal
environment to raise awareness and constructively engage young people
in conversations about social issues.
Staffing
The projects are overseen by a senior member of Arsenal's Community
Team with operational and delivery responsibility shared by a number of
full and part time staff. The Arsenal Kickz Co-ordinator is responsible for
Arsenal Kickz projects across Islington, Camden, Hackney and
Westminster.
Arsenal in the Community is proud of the approach it has adopted to
staffing with a rich history of developing and investing in young people
who have graduated from a range of training and education programmes
managed by the department.
The Kickz schemes in Islington currently employ one full time member of
staff who was a participant in an Arsenal in the Community scheme form
the age of ten. There are thirteen part time staff (six began within this
reporting period), some working up to fifteen hours each week. All have
come directly from the Kickz projects in Islington. It is worh noting that
nine of these were NEET.
This commitment to young people has obvious personal benefits to
individuals. Looking beyond these there are also significant advantages to
the project and local community. Young people from the area have good
knowledge of local issues, a valuable understanding of other young people
and tend to have a genuine commitment to the project. Of particular
interest are the positive role models that these young people can become
which often lift the aspirations of peers and other participants.
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Accommodation/facilities
Both schemes now enjoy continued engagement without interruptions due
to poor weather which was an issue for the Elthorne project during winter
months. As regular contact with young people is an important element to
Arsenal Kickz, the new pitch has been an essential development for the
project.
Other facilities used by the project include; Elthorne Youth Club for dance
sessions, Shuttleworth College in Bedfordshire for residential courses,
Islington Boxing Club, Sobell Leisure Centre and Mount Carmel School for
the girls only football sessions, Whittington Park for matches and
tournaments, Caxton House Community Centre and a range of attractions
such as local cinemas and bowling centres. Urban Hope Youth Club has
also been used for bike building work shops. The Emirates Stadium is also
used for tours, work shops and Arsenal matches.
Office space and resources are provided at Arsenal's facilities in Drayton
Park which also accommodates the steering group and related project
meetings.
Communication and promotion
Information about activities is communicated to young people by leaflets,
flyers and word of mouth. Although attendances are good the project
recognises that it needs to do more to make information available to
agencies so that they can take advantage of the provision. Leaflets are
designed by Ryan Jones who has stepped up from a participant to part
time employment with the project.
Having supported the work of Arsenal in the Community for two decades
the Club's communications team understand the nature of this type of
work and provide essential support for Arsenal Kickz projects.
The M&E team at Substance are always on hand to advise regarding
related issues and with their expertise within the field of social inclusion,
are very well placed to offer advice from experienced staff. The Substance
Project Reporting System (SPRS) has been the main reason that Arsenal
in the Community has been able to communicate this type of work and
demonstrate the outcomes it has achieved.
The regional meetings organised by the central Kickz and police teams
provide valuable opportunities where projects can come together and find
out about strategic developments and share local best practice. This
support is coupled with the regular contact that the project enjoys from
both partners and enables Arsenal Kickz to move forward with confidence.
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LAUNCH OF THE POLICING PLEDGE
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Rod Jarman and Sergeant Paul Colwill
launch the Policing Pledge at the Rosemary Gardens Kickz session.
For further details on Arsenal Kickz please contact:
Jamie Monteith on [email protected]
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