On Friday November 13, Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn visited Pembroke Dock, to attend the launch of the new ‘Premier League Kicks’ initiative in the area.

Over 90 young people from the Pembroke Dock area took part in the first session on Friday evening and will continue to participate on a weekly basis.

During the sessions, the young people take part in various practical activities, such as football coaching sessions, as well as informal sessions that address crime issues.

The ‘Premier League Kicks’ is free of charge for all involved, and is funded through the Police and Crime Commissioner and run in partnership with Swansea City Football Club Community Trust.

Whilst attending the first session on Friday evening at Ysgol Harri Tudor, Pembroke Dock, Mr. Llywelyn said: “I am privileged to be here on the opening night, to see for myself the positive influence an initiative such as the Premier League Kicks is having on the youth here, and the wider community.

“As a sports enthusiast, and having played football at many levels in my youth, I am fully aware of the influence that sport and exercise have on the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities in general.

“This initiative will have a positive impact on the town and especially the children involved and wish them all the best of luck.”

Superintendent Ross Evans who has been leading and co-ordinating the setting up of the initiative locally in Pembroke Dock on behalf of Dyfed-Powys Police said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Premier League Kicks and to welcome them to Pembrokeshire for the first time.

“The launch of this scheme is a huge boost for young people in Pembroke Dock and also for the local area itself.

“I would like to wish everyone taking part good luck, we all hope that they make the most of this great opportunity of free coaching by a world famous brand”.

The initiative is run through the English Premier League’s ‘Kicks’ national programme, and is delivered locally by Swansea City Football Club Community Trust.

The programme aims to use football and sport in general to inspire youth living in deprived areas.

Craig Richards from the Swansea City FC Community Trust said: “Premier League Kicks provides free weekly football sessions and educational workshops to young people, giving them opportunities, support and pathways to reach their full potential and divert them away from crime or criminals.

“It was a pleasure to welcome the Police and Crime Commissioner, Dafydd Llywelyn to the Seaside Kicks session to see so many young people having great fun in a safe environment.”

Mr. Llywelyn is also funding the same initiative in the Llanelli area in partnership with Swansea City FC Community Trust.

“Seaside Kicks was launched in Llanelli in January this year, to engage the youth of the Glanymor and Tyisha area in positive activities,” he continued.

“More than 150 young people in the area participate on a weekly basis with the Seaside Kicks, and I’m proud to see the impact the scheme is having on young people in the area, and expect to see the same here in the Pembroke Dock area.”