Premier League And Barclays In Festive Youth Camp Initiative

The Premier League and Barclays have announced Premier League Kicks Holiday Camps, a new initiative to support young people in the run-up to Christmas.

The camps are an extension of the league’s Premier League Kicks community programme, which was set up in 2006, and will see 75 professional football club community organisations support young people between the ages of eight and 18. The initiative will provide access to sport and ‘positive activities’, as well as nutritious meals, and will take place between Monday 21st and Wednesday 23rd December following the break up of schools for the holidays.

Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford has also been announced as an ambassador for the activity, which will support more than 4,500 young people. Rashford is himself a former Premier League Kicks participant, having taken part in Manchester United’s Street Reds sessions.

The sessions will also aim to enhance personal development for the young people, through activity including Barclays LifeSkills workshops on boosting self-confidence and financial literacy.

“The importance of clubs within their communities has been more evident than ever this year,” said Richard Masters, CEO, Premier League. 

“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.”

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

Rashford added: “I’ve always been proud to call football my profession. 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.”

Premier League Kicks engages children and young people of all backgrounds and abilities in football, sport and personal development sessions, and has seen 387,000 children take part in the programme since its launch 14 years ago.