Lucas visits estate-based programme to inspire youngsters

Lucas Moura paid a visit to the Ferry Lane estate in Tottenham where he met youngsters from our Foundation’s Premier League KICKS programme.

Premier League KICKS, which was launched and piloted in 2006 on Ferry Lane, uses the power of football to help young people who are at risk of becoming involved in anti-social behaviour or crime and break down the barriers between young people and the police.

The Foundation runs free football coaching for children aged between 11 and 19 who live on the estate. As well as teaching the youngsters football skills, these sessions aim to help the children work together to build a safer, stronger and more respectful community, and equip them with skills to help steer them away from crime.

Young people involved spoke to Lucas about their life growing up in Tottenham and their passion for football. The Brazilian international then showed off his skills and challenged the boys to a football freestyle tricks competition.

Richard Allicock, Community Development Manager, Tottenham Hotspur Foundation, said: “We have been running free football sessions at Ferry Lane for over 10 years and it’s one of the Foundation’s more successful programmes. We coach a group of 30 children who live on the estate and its surrounding area each week. As well as giving children who have a passion for sport access to play the game, we also offer mentoring and support for the youngsters to help build their confidence and social skills and guide them into education, training or employment.”

Lucas said: “Growing up near the favelas in Brazil, there were not many opportunities to play sport in safe spaces. It’s fantastic that the Club’s Foundation is giving these youngsters the chance to play football with their friends in a secure environment and helping them stay out of trouble.”