Scheme kickz Islington into shape

A NORTH Islington Park has become the headquarters of a new national community football project.

Supported by Arsenal FC, Kickz, for boys and girls aged 10 to 18, aims to create safer, stronger, more respectful communities through the development of youth potential.
The project is a three-way scheme involving Arsenal, the Met Police and Islington Council. The Gunners are one of 25 Premierships clubs across the country involved in Kickz.
Qualified Arsenal coaches provide football training four nights a week in Elthorne Park, which is undergoing intensive regeneration.
Sgt Paul Colwill, heading the Met’s involvement in Islington, thanked Arsenal for their contribution and the regeneration of the area.
He said: “Besides the money and the coaching staff, as important as anything is the brand of Arsenal. The club has been instrumental in the success of Kickz at Elthorne Park.”
Money raised from Dennis Bergkamp’s testimonial match in July last year will fund the construction of a new Astroturf surface on the site. Scheduled to open in May, it will be called the Cruyff Pitch after Dutch football legend Johan Cruyff.
In a statement, Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger said: “Arsenal is delighted to be involved in this exciting project. By bringing together young people in this way it allows our community coaches to get to know the players and help them in a wide range of areas as well as football.”