Hartlepool United Community Sports Foundation is the charitable arm of Hartlepool United FC.
It exists both to promote the club in the community and to deliver positive activities to people of all ages and backgrounds.
The Hartlepool Kicks programme involves diversionary sports provision run in targeted areas of Hartlepool.
Community based evening sessions will use a combination of football, street dance and other activities and run as informal turn up and play sessions, in targeted areas as directed by Cleveland Police, with the aim of engaging young people not already taking part in more formal exercise or organised sport. The project uses the power of sport to engage with young people. The sports activity helps improve physical and mental wellbeing, together with improving self confidence and team building. Lead coaches are trained in youth work principles and it is key to the project that staff build a rapport with the young people and listen to their needs, so that the activities offered tailor to the needs of the local community. The main aim of the project is to help reduce youth crime and antisocial behaviour by diverting young people into positive activities.
The Hartlepool FC Kicks Project will include the following key deliverables:
- Informal turn up and play sessions for 11-15 and 16-25 year olds 2 nights a week, in targeted areas, as directed by Cleveland Police.
- Employability training for young people engaged in the project.
- Project mentors to establish links to local schools, enabling direct work with the schools to help improve the attendance, attitude, behaviour and attainment of the young people involved in the project.
- Substance misuse awareness and sexual health workshops.
- Establishment of an Annual FairPlay football tournament with teams taking part from across Cleveland.
- Establishment of a Leadership Academy to support young people in gaining Sports Leadership qualifications.
Hartlepool United Community Sports Foundation have requested funding from the PCC to establish the Hartlepool FC Kicks Project. The funding provided will contribute to facility hire, qualified sports coaches and youth workers to deliver positive activities and leadership qualifications for 40 young people.
Decision 36909. Hartlepool Kicks funding (application, 117kB)