Tottenham Hotspur Foundation’s Kicks project uses football to to break down barriers between young people and the police. The free sessions for 5 – 19 year olds are proven to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour and increase interest in sports, while creating life changing opportunities leading young people to find employment and education.

Mo Mumin, 28, from Tottenham, is a former Kicks participant who landed himself a job coaching on the project via Tottenham Hotspur Foundation’s apprenticeship programme.

Here he talks about his experience on the project, and why Kicks is so important for the local community:

“Kicks started as a hobby and turned in to my career”


“I really enjoyed Kicks as a participant, but I never really thought I’d be able to make a career out of something I originally took up as a hobby. I’d been out of work for a while and didn’t really feel like there was anything out there for me. I was giving up hope that I would find a job that I liked and was relevant to the skills I had. My advisor at Tottenham job centre told me about the apprenticeships open day at White Hart Lane. Through the apprenticeship scheme I gained my FA Level 2 coaching qualification and was offered a contract at Tottenham Hotspur Foundation. That was three years ago and I’ve been coaching at Kicks ever since.”
 

“There is no typical Kicks session”
 

“All Kicks sessions have sport at the core, but a lot of the time we talk about issues the young people might be facing, and look at opportunities for career or educational development through peer mentoring projects. Today, for example, I’m coaching football sessions but we’re also going to be discussing issues around bullying and exclusion. We often have 40 kids turn up to each session, which is fantastic, and it’s great to see them grow from shuffling about on the sidelines to becoming leaders and confident players both on and off the pitch.
 

“As a coach, the most important thing is the ability to communicate”
 

“When I first came to Kicks as a participant I was a lot shyer than I am now and I didn’t talk much. Now, I find talking to people fascinating and the banter with the participants on the projects is great! Kicks helped me build self-confidence and continues to do the same for other young people in Tottenham.


“It can be challenging but Kicks is an incredibly positive environment”
 

“Kicks sessions are in an open environment so anyone can turn up to a session. I grew up in Tottenham and I think young people in Haringey and Enfield can really benefit from projects like Kicks. It’s fantastic to be able to offer sports sessions, for free, in areas where there isn’t very much else on offer for young people.


“Kicks provides so many opportunities for young people”


“Kicks isn’t just about playing football, it’s about coming together to have fun and gain some really useful experiences. When I first attended Kicks I wasn't aware of where it would lead me, I just wanted to hang out with my mates. I love how I have come through the project as a participant and I'm now one of the coaches. Kicks is great fun and provides so many opportunities for young people who are struggling to find clear direction in their life. By helping them to gain qualifications, they have a better chance of building a more positive future for themselves and the community they live in.”


Fancy coming along to a free Kicks session?

Over 500 young people a week take part in Tottenham Hotspur Foundation Kicks sessions in Haringey and Enfield. Currently the Foundation runs 14 free Kicks sessions in Haringey and six in Enfield. Sessions run from Monday – Saturday during lunchtimes and evenings, suitable for young people aged 5 – 19.

To find out about your nearest Kicks session, supported by the Premier League and players of People's Postcode Lottery, visit www.tottenhamhotspur.com/foundation or email foundation@tottenhamhotspur.com