Premier champs host Cobholm kids

Norwich City's Football in the Community programme recently sent a touring party of 14 children to Premiership champions Chelsea as part of their successful Mini Kickz pilot scheme.

The Football Foundation-funded project is open to children aged eight to 11 who that live in the Cobholm area who are not quite old enough to attend the Great Yarmouth Kickz programme - a community initiative aimed at inspiring young people.

On arriving in London the children enjoyed a fun seven-a-side football tournament hosted by Chelsea at Battersea Park.

The teams from Cobholm acquitted themselves well and were more than a match for their Chelsea counterparts.

After the tournament the children headed to Stamford Bridge to enjoy dinner and a ground tour.

During the tour the children had the opportunity to visit the Press room and sit in the seat used by manager Carlo Ancelotti during pre and

post-match press conferences along with visiting the Chelsea home changing room to see the match shirts of the current Chelsea squad.

East Norfolk co-ordinator Joe Harvey said: “The opportunity to visit the capital and represent their only local professional football club required a high standard of behaviour.

“The lads who joined me have been a credit to FITC and their parents. Mini-Kickz is a real success which benefits the Cobholm community.”

The pilot project offers a range of positive activities, including football, basketball, cricket and tri golf and also includes a series of workshops covering issues such as bullying, education and career pathways.

Music and drama are also delivered within the project.

Mini Kickz aims to increase positive engagement opportunities for children by building a safer, stronger community through the development of children's potential.

If you are interested in joining the Mini-Kickz programme or you would like to help call the FITC office on 01603 761122.