Ian Robinson has been named Aston Villa’s Premier League Kicks ‘Local Legend’ as the community programme marks its 15-year anniversary.
The Premier League is celebrating 15 years of its flagship community programme. Premier League Kicks has supported hundreds of thousands of young people to achieve their potential and improve their wellbeing through free weekly football sessions and educational workshops.
One person who has benefitted from their involvement is Ian, who has been named as a Premier League Kicks 'Local Legend' by Aston Villa Foundation as part of the programme’s anniversary.
Premier League Kicks began in the 2006/07 season in partnership with the Metropolitan Police, with the aim of involving and supporting young people in regular, positive and fun activity, whilst helping to create stronger, safer, more inclusive communities.
As part of the 15-year celebrations, clubs have nominated a Premier League Kicks ‘Local Legend’ – somebody who has taken part in, volunteered or worked on the programme and has inspired others through their dedication, work ethic and own personal development.
Each nominee will receive a bespoke ‘Local Legend’ football card, which has been created with support from Premier League partner Panini.
Ian was chosen as Aston Villa Foundation’s Premier League Kicks Local Legend because he has a strong track record with supporting young people from the Foundation's youth-based programmes into apprenticeships and employment with the Foundation, and plays a pivotal role in helping young people transition into employment or educational pathways.
Ian, who has been involved with Aston Villa's Premier League Kicks activity for 12 years, said: "I am delighted to receive this award, but for me it's not about personal recognition. It's about making sure all of the young people who are involved with Kicks get the support they deserve, and I'm honoured to have played my part in ensuring that can happen."
As well as providing young people with access to free football and sports activities, Premier League Kicks offers mentoring, life skills advice and access to opportunities like volunteering to help aid their development. To date, the Premier League has invested almost £66million in Kicks and in the year ahead an estimated 80,000 young people will take part in the programme.
