FITC have launched their brand new social inclusion 'Kickz' project at The Cage in the heart of the Cobholm in Great Yarmouth.

'Kickz' aims to build safer, stronger communities through the development of young people's potential. FITC were in charge of the launch, which was supported by funding pledged by a number of organisations, including The Football Foundation, Norfolk County Football Association and FITC themselves.

City player Lee Croft attended the event, and offered his full support to such an important initiative. He said: "It's a really good idea and they're trying to keep kids off the street. I like working with kids, and it's trying to keep them out of trouble and help them do better things with their lives so it's a really good project.

"Where I grew up we had a soccer school on a Saturday morning which we used to go to, but there was nothing on the coaching side other than our local teams. Kid who don't have the chance to play in a local team now, it's good to get them off the streets and help them play football and get involved in activities."

Commenting on the wide variety of activities the project offers, Croft added: "It's for boys and girls, and they have dance sessions, boxing and loads of different things to get involved in.

"I think kids look up to footballers and football clubs, and having the chance to work with football coaches is great for them, so I'm sure they'll look forward to getting involved.

"I always enjoyed football when I was young, and I've been lucky enough to have gone from enjoying it to having a career in it. Obviously it's shaped what I'm doing and my life so you never know, some of these kids could be doing what Im doing in ten years time."

 * Kickz picture courtesy of James Bass