What is this collaboration about?: Helping young people address the challenges they face online

We have used our expertise in the area to work together with the Premier League to create a package of online support activities.

What’s in the online support activity packs?

‘The Respect’ activity packs cover topics such as addressing online hate and abuse, managing digital well-being and digital identity. They will be used by staff from 91 Premier League and EFL community club organizations to support the digital well-being of youth participating in Premier League Kicks workshops.

Premier League Kicks is a community program that inspires youth in high-need areas to engage in positive activities including a wide variety of sports, training, music, and educational and personal development sessions, so they can reach their potential and improve their wellness.

The Respect workshops will encourage young people to think critically about the online world, making them feel more secure, improving their well-being, and most importantly, allowing them to create a positive digital environment in which they feel comfortable supporting each other.

The Premier League shares their thoughts: Helping young people address the challenges they face online

Nick Perchard, Community Manager, Premier League, said: “Online safety is more important now than ever. We are pleased to work with Internet Matters, experts in this space, to support the thousands of young people who participate in the Premier League Kicks program with their digital well-being.

“The Respect activity pack will provide participants with a greater awareness of the potential dangers they might face online and equip them with the information and support necessary to address them.”

What Internet Matters says

Carolyn Bunting, CEO of Internet Matters, said: “Regular engagement and communication with young people about their lives online has a significant impact on their ability to ensure that any risk they face online does not turn into harm.

“We are delighted to be working with the Premier League to reach young people through their exceptional community programs.”

“We know there is much more to do to ensure children and youth are safe, happy and healthy online, and we are delighted to have produced these resources to help demonstrate the Premier League’s commitment to this challenging issue.

About the Premier League

Established in 2010, the Premier League Charitable Fund (PLCF) is one of the largest sports charities in the world. The independent charity supports the Community Club Organizations (CCOs) of the Premier League, English Football League and National League professional football clubs to deliver high-quality products that help children and youth reach their potential. and have a positive impact on your community. With the support of PLCFs, CCOs engage more than 500,000 people each year.

In 2019/2020, PLCF committed a £ 9.3 million investment in Premier League Kicks to support 91 club community organizations (CCOs) from the Premier League, the English Football League and the National League to deliver the program through August 2022. The level of investment in the CCO varies by the Tier they are in for the program, which is based on a number of factors such as League, history in the program, and CCO governance.
About Premier League Kicks (more information)
Premier League Kicks is a community program aimed at youth ages 8 to 18 (or 19 to 25 in structured volunteer opportunities) who live in high-need areas and who do not regularly access sports activities affiliates or sports outside of school.

The program offers young people open access football, sports complex, competitions, workshops, qualifications and campaigns to participate. Club Community Organizations (CCOs) consult with local partners to identify the right time and place for sessions and design their program to meet the needs of their local community and participants. Ultimately, the goal is to inspire young people to reach their potential and improve their well-being, working together to build stronger, safer and more inclusive communities.