Kick-Start programme

The projects which the Kick-Start programme will support include projects run by the Leicester Falcons, the Maidstone Pumas, the University of Birmingham Lions, Prudhoe High School, the Preston Panthers (a new part of the Lancashire Academy programme), and the Cornish Sharks.

Speaking about the receipt of support, a representative from the Lions said, ‘The University of Birmingham Lions Youth development programme was written around 5 to 6 years ago. Due to funding limitations and management capacity the programme was always held back. With the Kick-Start support and a more developed management and coaching structure, we now have the base to deliver a youth football programme in the centre of Birmingham around the strong base at the University’.

The successful bid from the Leicester Falcons means that the Falcons now offer one of the most comprehensive football programmes in the country. The Falcons senior and junior teams are complemented by a university programme and now the Kick-Start supported youth programme.