Everton and DR Congo striker Yannick Bolasie was this week back where it all began for him – at Hilingdon Borough FC.
Bolaise, who started out with the West London non-leagueers before finding fame and fortune with Everton via Floriana, Plymouth and Bristol City, teamed up with Premier League Kicks to launch a new skills-based football concept called YB3 at Boro's Breakspear Road ground.
YB3 is the brain-child of Bolasie and his elite performance coach, Rayan Wilson, from Bristol-based Back 2 Action.
They have created an innovative three versus three game format that is played on a small octagon-shaped pitch to encourage players to think about where they are using skills to positively impact a game. The restricted playing area also helps players to develop their close control and decision making.
Bolasie approached the Premier League to support the inaugural YB3 Kicks Cup having been impressed with the Kicks projects at his former clubs. The 28-year-old who grew up in Willesden, wanted to engage young people who are making good progress through the Premier League’s social inclusion programme.
The players taking part in the YB3 Kicks Cup include sides from Bolasie’s former clubs and current one, as well as teams from the local area that Bolasie grew up in, alongside motivational sessions.
Bolasie said: “YB3 is about helping to find a format that develops a player’s skill and gets them thinking about where and how they express themselves on the pitch to make the biggest impact on a game.
“I’m delighted the Premier League are supporting the tournament. Their Kicks programme is truly impressive and making a great impact on young people’s lives. To see clubs across the country sending teams is humbling.
“To launch this concept at the non-league club where my career first started at is fantastic. Hillingdon Borough will always mean a lot to me and is the perfect place for the inaugural YB3 Kicks Cup.”
