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For young people involved in Arsenal in the Community\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
For Kruiz (14), her journey began through a friend. \u201cI wasn\u2019t really a confident person until I started to come here, and that gave me confidence in myself and my football,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n
Others, such as Brielle (12), found the programme through school. \u201cCoach Abby informed me about the session at Arts and Media,\u201d she says. \u201cI felt lost and just focused on studies rather than socialising. This gave me purpose to socialise with others.\u201d<\/p>\n
For Maria (11), it was also a friend who encouraged her to attend. \u201cWhen I first came it was fun so I enjoy coming back,\u201d she says \u2013 a simple first experience that quickly became something much bigger.<\/p>\n
Across all three journeys, participation has gone far beyond weekly training. From half-term activities and workshops to community leagues at Regent\u2019s 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 \u201camazing\u201d, while Brielle proudly recalls playing against Tottenham and winning, as well as attending Arsenal Women matches. <\/p>\n
While football is central, the programme\u2019s wider impact is just as important. Kruiz enjoys classroom workshops alongside the matches and tournaments, while Brielle says, \u201cI really enjoy making friends and meeting people from different schools and all the skills the coaches have taught me.\u201d <\/p>\n
Confidence, both on and off the pitch, is a theme. \u201cIn the beginning I played differently to how I play now,\u201d says Maria. \u201cI\u2019ve had to develop and learn along the way, trying new ways to play the game and learning how to talk and play with others.\u201d That growth has translated into leadership, with Maria now stepping up to help others during sessions and at school.<\/p>\n
\u201cMaking friends here has also been very important,\u201d says Kruiz. \u201cI\u2019ve gained strong friendships and I am thankful for that.\u201d 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.<\/p>\n
The influence of Arsenal in the Community staff is crucial. \u201cThey encourage me, they believe in me, they challenge me, they understand me,\u201d 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. \u201cThey\u2019ve taught me a lot, not just football, but setting tasks and having someone to talk to if I need it.\u201d<\/p>\n
The programme\u2019s 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: \u201cBefore attending the sessions I stayed home a lot. Now I do more exercise and activities.\u201d <\/p>\n
When asked what Arsenal means to them, their responses are powerful. \u201cIt means everything to me,\u201d says Brielle. Kruiz adds, \u201cIt means a lot. The coaches encourage me even when I don\u2019t think I can, and then I do. I\u2019m so grateful that I represent Arsenal when I go to events or play against other Premier League teams.\u201d <\/p>\n
And when asked to sum up Kicks in just a few words, Kruiz chooses \u201ccommunity\u201d. Brielle describes it as \u201cperfect\u201d, while Maria says \u201cpractice makes perfect\u201d. 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n Community Stories Girls Kicks<\/span><\/p>\n<\/article>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\nCopyright 2026 The Arsenal Football Club Limited. Permission to use quotations from this article is granted subject to appropriate credit being given to www.arsenal.com as the source.<\/p>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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