11 Kickz participants from across Reading completed various coaching qualifications over the half term break in sessions provided by Reading FC Community Trust's Kickz project.

The group, aged between 14 - 19 years old, completed various qualifications including their First Aid and Child Protection courses, as well as the FA Junior Football Organisers award.

The FA JFO course is a leadership course designed to give young people the skills to deliver safe football-related activities to groups of young players.

This insight is the first step towards moving onto various FA Coach Education Courses, refereeing or administration. By taking responsibility for both boys and girls aged 6-11, organising football sessions and mini-soccer festivals, it develops confidence to allow the volunteer to apply the skills within a club environment.

Reading FC Community Trust Social Inclusion officer Gary Webb commented "I am delighted to say that all of the young people who enrolled on the course passed their qualifications.

"It was an intensive but enjoyable week with lots of hard work, but the hard work put in now will only benefit all of the young people in the future.

"Not only can the young people continue their development with Kickz and our Community Trust, but grassroots clubs can also benefit from having expertise from local young coaches who are keen to pass on their knowledge."

Using the power of football and appeal of professional football clubs' brands, Kickz aims to engage young people who may otherwise be difficult to reach.

The Kickz vision is 'to target some of the most disadvantaged areas of the country in order to create safer, stronger, more respectful communities through the development of young people's potential'.

Reading Football Club's Community Trust runs Kickz sessions at least four times a week:

Mondays
Football Sessions @ Cintra Park
Ages: 12-18 years
Time: 7-9pm

Tuesdays
Football & alternative activities @ Fairview Community Centre
Ages: 12-18 years
Time: 7-9pm

Wednesdays
Football & alternative activities @ AcademySport Leisure Centre
Ages: 12-18 years
Time: 7-9pm

Fridays
Football Sessions @ Prospect Park
Ages: 12-18 years
Time: 4.30 - 6.30pm

Flexible Sessions
@ AcademySport Leisure Centre
Ages: 12-18 years
Time: 7-10pm