For young people involved in Arsenal in the Community’s Premier League Girls Kicks programme, football is only part of the story. What truly stands out is the confidence built, the friendships formed, and the sense of belonging created through the sessions.
Premier League Kicks is funded by the Premier League through the Premier League Foundation. The fund uses the power of football and sport to inspire young people to reach their potential in some of the most high-need areas in England and Wales.
For Kruiz (14), her journey began through a friend. “I wasn’t really a confident person until I started to come here, and that gave me confidence in myself and my football,” she says.
Others, such as Brielle (12), found the programme through school. “Coach Abby informed me about the session at Arts and Media,” she says. “I felt lost and just focused on studies rather than socialising. This gave me purpose to socialise with others.”
For Maria (11), it was also a friend who encouraged her to attend. “When I first came it was fun so I enjoy coming back,” she says – a simple first experience that quickly became something much bigger.
Across all three journeys, participation has gone far beyond weekly training. From half-term activities and workshops to community leagues at Regent’s Park and competitive fixtures against Kicks teams from other Premier League clubs, the programme has created unforgettable moments. Maria describes being a player mascot as “amazing”, while Brielle proudly recalls playing against Tottenham and winning, as well as attending Arsenal Women matches.
While football is central, the programme’s wider impact is just as important. Kruiz enjoys classroom workshops alongside the matches and tournaments, while Brielle says, “I really enjoy making friends and meeting people from different schools and all the skills the coaches have taught me.”
Confidence, both on and off the pitch, is a theme. “In the beginning I played differently to how I play now,” says Maria. “I’ve had to develop and learn along the way, trying new ways to play the game and learning how to talk and play with others.” That growth has translated into leadership, with Maria now stepping up to help others during sessions and at school.
“Making friends here has also been very important,” says Kruiz. “I’ve gained strong friendships and I am thankful for that.” Brielle echoes that, explaining how seeing friends at sessions gave her reassurance and confidence, knowing she was surrounded by others who shared her love for football.
The influence of Arsenal in the Community staff is crucial. “They encourage me, they believe in me, they challenge me, they understand me,” says Kruiz. Brielle adds that the coaches pushed her to believe in herself, while Maria credits specific staff members for helping her both on and off the pitch. “They’ve taught me a lot, not just football, but setting tasks and having someone to talk to if I need it.”
The programme’s impact reaches into everyday life. Brielle says her communication skills have improved, helping her when debating at school, while Kruiz uses what she has learned during school matches. Maria now feels happier overall: “Before attending the sessions I stayed home a lot. Now I do more exercise and activities.”
When asked what Arsenal means to them, their responses are powerful. “It means everything to me,” says Brielle. Kruiz adds, “It means a lot. The coaches encourage me even when I don’t think I can, and then I do. I’m so grateful that I represent Arsenal when I go to events or play against other Premier League teams.”
And when asked to sum up Kicks in just a few words, Kruiz chooses “community”. Brielle describes it as “perfect”, while Maria says “practice makes perfect”. Together, those phrases capture the heart of Girls Kicks, a programme that offers young people a safe, supportive space to grow, learn and believe in themselves, all through the power of football.
For more information about Premier League Kicks and how to get involved, email Jack Ironside, Senior Manager for Social Inclusion at [jironside@arsenal.co.uk](mailto:jironside@arsenal.co.uk).
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