Each month CITC is spotlighting its work and programmes through the voices and stories of its participants across Manchester.
The twelfth video sees Tom discuss his journey from CITC, Inspires and Kicks participant to now part-time Kicks coach and he also shares how without CITC his life could have been completely different.
Tom said: “It is such a rewarding thing to be able to give back, especially when I received so much out of the sessions as well, it is good to be able to take that and give it back.”
“I don’t think there is a day that goes by where I ever regret making this sort of transition.
“It doesn’t feel like work, it feels like you’re still part of the sessions rather than running them which is really good.
“It has 110% changed everything about what my life could have been,”
Community Outreach Kicks Officer, Rofique Miah, said: “Tom has gone from strength to strength on the field with his coaching style and engagement.
“He has also developed himself off the field with his professionalism, confidence, and overall, into a fine young man.”
Premier League Kicks has supported hundreds of thousands of young people to achieve their potential and improve their wellbeing through free weekly football sessions and educational workshops.
Premier League Kicks began in the 2006/07 season in partnership with the Metropolitan Police, with the aim of involving and supporting young people in regular, positive, and fun activity, whilst helping to create stronger, safer, more inclusive communities.
To date, the Premier League has invested almost £66 million in Kicks.
Since it began, more than 490,000 young people have participated in Premier League Kicks football and multi-sport sessions held at community venues across England and Wales, during more than one million hours of free sessions.
The programme started with four pilot clubs and is now run across more than 1,000 venues by 90 Premier League, English Football League and National League sides — all funded by the Premier League.
City in the Community empowers healthier lives with city youth through football.
To find out more, visit www.mancity.com/CITC or follow the charity on social media @CITCmancity.
