First team duo visit Premier League Kicks session | OneFootball

First team duo Ethan Ampadu and Brenden Aaronson dropped in on one of the Leeds United Foundation’s Premier League Kicks sessions at the Bilal Masjid Mosque recently, taking part in our BBC Match of the Day community feature.

The Premier League Kicks programme is delivered by Foundation coaches across Leeds in he most deprived areas free of charge, and ensures youngsters have opportunity to play sport in a safe environment with dedicated and qualified staff.

Premier League Kicks increases playing, coaching and officiating opportunities in sport, enhances mental and physical wellbeing, strengthens communities, and inspires young people to develop positive and supportive relationships.

Ampadu and Aaronson were joined by comedian and Foundation participant Maisie Adams and Foundation CEO Frances Milner at the session, where they all learnt more about the role Premier League Kicks plays in the community, before the first teamers got involved with the children.

This session in particular was covered for BBC Match of the Day, showcasing the programme and its progression and development, specifically around young females’ involvement, since the sessions began.

Ampadu and Aaronson were introduced to all of the children and were able to see first half the skills they have been developing each and every week. There was also a penalty shootout and opportunities for photos and autographs.

“Being featured on Match of the Day was an incredible moment for our young people,” Richard Foye, Premier League KICKS Lead at the Foundation, said. “It gave them a platform to show the positive energy, teamwork and ambition that runs through our PL Kicks sessions every week.

“Seeing their stories highlighted on such a massive stage made them feel proud of who they are and the community they represent and it was a real reminder of why this programme matters so much.”