A YOUTH football project supported by the police is at risk of closing because of a lack of funds.
The Kickz project runs sessions every Friday evening at The Harefield Academy, in Northwood Way, Harefield, in addition to Mondays and Wednesdays in South Ruislip.
The scheme is run by Watford Football Club’s Community Trust and Education Trust, and requires £12,000 a year to sustain the costs of coaches, equipment and venue hire.
At present there is a £5,000 shortfall; £7,000 has been raised through Hillingdon Council’s ward budget scheme for Harefield, and the Metropolitan Police Property Act Fund.
The scheme also offers street dance teaching, and is aimed at giving youngsters an outlet and activities to do, with the aim of discouraging anti-social behaviour.
Inspector Nick Aldworth said: “The Kickz project in the north of the borough is hugely successful at engaging young people at important times of the week.
“The turnout in Harefield alone can be up to 70 young people on a Friday evening. Studies show that these projects deliver reductions in crime and anti-social behaviour and we know this to be applicable to Kickz in Harefield and South Ruislip.
“It would be a terrible shame to see this project die due to the lack of a relatively small amount of money and I would ask any companies or altruists out there to consider stepping forward and supporting the project.”
MP Nick Hurd, (Con) who represents Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner, said: “I would be very disappointed if we lost this valuable project in Harefield, so I am working with the police and Watford FC to see whether we can find the funds.”
n Anyone in a position to help these projects financially should contact Steve Williams on 01923 496354 or email steve.williams@watfordfc.com.
