Nirushan first became a part of our Premier League Kicks project as a participant after positive conversations with our coaches and staff at Grange Gardens, in Grangetown.
From the local area, Nirushan used our sessions to stay active and meet new people – building positive relationships with people his own age and allowing him to take part in consistent activities that his school couldn’t provide.
Working closely with our coaches and staff at Grange Pavilion, Nirushan made the most of the opportunities we had to offer, building his skills, networking with others and eventually setting up the Youth Forum that he now leads on.
Working collaboratively with us, the Grange Pavilion Youth Forum has used the power of football to support young people with personal development through workshops and Nirushan believes this has contributed to making Grangetown a safer community.
“A lot of the time, young people from this area (Grangetown) usually just come back from school and have nothing to do. Having a free prevision like Premier League Kicks is a massive deal – it keeps them active, supports their mental wellbeing and provides a safe area for them to have fun.
“We know that there can be issues with young people hanging around the streets and there’s potential for them to be pressured into doing things they don’t want to do. Having a space for them to come and play football, be active and have opportunities for them to develop themselves can only be positive.”
Kian & Kiera's Story
For Brother and Sister, Kian and Kiera, football has always been more than just a game—it has been a constant thread weaving through their family life. Thanks to Cardiff City FC, they both found their ideal educational pathway through Cardiff City FC Community Foundation.
Darren's Story
Through Darren's passion for community, he's single handedly built a sense of belonging, purpose, and togetherness at Merthyr Kicks, creating a true family atmosphere. The site has flourished under his leadership, growing the site into a highly engaged session, week on week.
Sarok and Wareen's Story
Sarok and Wareen, siblings who arrived in the UK from Iraq in October 2024, struggled to adjust to their new school. Through regular football sessions, they gained confidence, developed a sense of belonging, and are now more actively participating in their learning.
