Premier League Kicks Targeted - Pitch Side Pathways

The Albion Foundation are excited to announce our Pitch Side Mentoring Programme funded through our Premier League (PL) Kicks programme. Pitch Side mentoring is a free service for Sandwell residents aged 8 - 18 who are new to, or currently attending our PL Kicks football programme.

If the participant is currently already attending our PL Kicks session but could benefit from the support of a mentor, a referral form would need to be completed which can be found here: https://forms.office.com/e/D9w9qcs9rD . Mentoring is subject to availability as our mentors will only have capacity for a limited number of participants at one time. If we are at full capacity the referred participants are still welcome to attend PL Kicks sessions but will not receive the formal mentoring offer until confirmation has been made from The Albion Foundation. Referee Sign up is required to PL Kicks sessions in addition to the referral form being completed - sign up can be done through contacting darryl.hickman@albionfoundation.co.uk.

The overall aims of Pitch Side Pathways aligns closely with the outcomes of our PL Kicks programme. Pitch Side Mentoring will have a more personal approach supporting individuals that need it most, to ensure they can still access the benefits of PL Kicks.

Some of the key outcomes include:

Participants...
- Contribute to stronger, safer and more inclusive communities.
- Feel inspired and engaged.
- Improve both their physical and mental wellbeing.
- Demonstrate more positive behaviours.
- Have improved interpersonal relationships.

Once accepted, the young person will be assigned a qualified mentor from our behaviour change team.

- There will be an initial introduction / meet and greet session with the mentor.
- The participant will regular check ins with the mentor before, during and after the PL Kicks session.
- One to one goal setting sessions between mentor and mentee will take place.
- The participant will receive at least 10 mentoring sessions or more if required.

Once the mentor is confident the young person is settled into the session they will gradually lower the contact time until the person is simply receiving support on a more informal basis.

- The participant may receive further opportunities through PL kicks including workshops, youth voice activities and volunteering opportunities.
- Participants may receive rewards such as WBA Tickets as an incentive and reward for positive engagement in the programme.

Referrals to be made by Sandwell services such as the Police, NHS, Early Help Practitioners, preventing primary exclusions team, youth offending teams. Other referrals are considered but we encourage referrals to come from a professional working in these areas. The Albion Foundation are happy to meet to discuss data sharing agreements and sign any necessary documents / service level agreements to formalise the referral pathway. We would consider participants who meet two or more of the following criteria:

- Participants living in Sandwell and aged between 8 -18
- Participants present as a lack of emotional health and well-being or maybe as difficult or distressed behaviour.
- Participants are already open to services such as Sandwell early help.
- Children identified as displaying varied aspects of social, emotional and behavioural difficulties which puts them at risk of exclusion from school or have been excluded.
- Absence of social ties.
- Early involvement in antisocial behaviour.
- Young people with family members who are known to be involved in crime, ASB, drug use or excessive alcohol use.
- Youth offenders - However we do not have the capacity to support youth offenders involved in serious crime.

From receiving the referral, we would hope to engage the young person in their first session within 4 weeks. Please wait for confirmation of the start date before attending the session.

Opening hours

	Morning	Afternoon	Evening
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday

Accessibility details

All our sessions are inclusive to all. We do however offer a free SEND specific session on a Wednesday 5pm - 6pm for those that may require more support.

Staff qualifications

- Degree Qualified FA Level 2 - Football Level 2 - Mentors Level 2 - Youth Workers

Additional notes

Referral Form can be found here: https://forms.office.com/e/D9w9qcs9rD

Categories

MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL WELLBEING, EXPLOITATION , PERSONAL, SCHOOL LIFE/BEHAVIOUR AND PEER RELATIONSHIPS