Young refugees and asylum seekers took part in the launch of Town Foundation and Kirklees Council’s Kicks vs Youth programme, which took place on Amnesty International’s Football Welcomes weekend.

The Kicks vs Youth project, which aims to promote integration and community cohesion, began at the Leeds Road Sports Complex on Saturday 28 April 2018, with over 15 people aged between four and 17 years old taking part.

The youngsters took part in various football-based skill sessions before attending Town’s Premier League match against Everton.

Following the success of the launch, the Kicks vs Youth project will continue to run every Friday at the Central Stars Youth Club in Huddersfield (HD1 2NX).

The free sessions, which will be sport and activity based, will run between 3pm and 6.30pm each Friday and young people who are aged between eight and 19 will be able to attend.

If you’re interested in joining the Kicks vs Youth project or would like to attend one of the sessions, please contact Alfie Butwell on aflie.butwell@htafcfoundation.com or call 01484 503773 and press option three for Inclusion.

The Town Foundation’s Head of Inclusion, Abbi Andiyapan commented:

“We were delighted to launch the Kicks vs Youth programme in partnership with Kirklees College and I’m proud to say it was a huge success.

“We wanted to develop a youth provision for young unaccompanied asylum seekers and refugees, with the aim of our programme to support these young people transition into community provision whether that be into Huddersfield Town

Foundation’s community programmes, or provision delivered by other community organisations.

“We believe the power of football and the Club will enable us to promote integration, community cohesion and togetherness.”

Carol Gilchrist Head of Communities at Kirklees Council said:

“This is a fantastic opportunity for young people to be engaged in community sport activities that contribute to good community cohesion and wellness. The council is proud to be partners with the Huddersfield Town Foundation in the excellent initiative.”