A Premier League Dream
Quincy, London, England
Goal Click and the Premier League Charitable Fund teamed up to tell the inside story of Premier League Kicks as part of the Premier League Youth Summit.
Eight young people documented their diverse experiences of Premier League Kicks during the summer of 2021 through their own eyes and voices. The storytellers represented four club community organisations (CCOs) in the Premier League and English Football League – West Ham United Foundation, Nottingham Forest Community Trust, Luton Town Community Trust, and Pompey in the Community.
Premier League Kicks uses the reach and appeal of the Premier League and network of professional football clubs. Premier League Kicks will regularly engage children and young people of all backgrounds and abilities in football, sport and personal development – providing a trusted, positive influence in high-need areas across England and Wales.
Playing with West Ham United Foundation, Quincy wrote about his photos, football life, and the impact of PL Kicks on their community.
Can you introduce yourself and tell us about your football life?
My name is Quincy, I am 11 and I play football because I enjoy it and learn so many things. I live in East London and have played football since I was 5. I have played with my team at Prostar, Tottenham Kicks, and West Ham United Development squad. I currently play for Prostar.
Who is in these photos? Do any of the people have interesting stories?
The people in the photos are my friends that go to Kicks at the West Ham United Foundation in Beckton, East London. They are showing off some skills. There is my friend D’Marco, he joined Kicks the same time I did, and played his first ever match with Kicks. He is good at football and is always trying to get better.
Where were the photos taken? What activity was taking place?
Some of the photos are taken at the West Ham United Foundation in Beckton on a 3G Pitch. We were taking part in a football training session where we learnt more about passing, and at the end we played some matches. Some photos were taken at the park while I was spending time with my family.
What did you try to show with the photos? Was there any wider meaning with the photos?
In the photos I tried to show my friends and what we do during a Kicks session. I wanted to show what we get to do at a session like train, play matches, have fun with our friends and meet new people. I wanted to show what our experience of Kicks is. I also wanted to show how I enjoy football with my family.
Why is football important for your community?
Football gives a lot of kids something to do like keep fit, have fun, meet with their friends, make new friends who are from different backgrounds. A lot of young people really like football and want to become football players, so they have the opportunity to get better. Our sessions are mixed, but Kicks also has separate sessions for girls, so there are lots of opportunities for them to take part.
What is your favourite photo? Why?
My favourite photo is the one of my friends taking the free kick. The picture was perfectly timed as they were getting ready to take it. It shows the players angle as he is about to kick the ball and the position the opposite team was standing in as they tried to defend their goal.
What does football mean to you? What ambitions do you have for the future?
Football to me is fun and exciting. I want to play for a Premier League team and in the World Cup. I want to show that kids like me can become football players if they keep practicing and working hard.
How does taking part in Kicks make you feel? What do you like most?
Taking part in Kicks makes me happy, I like meeting with my friends and meeting new people. We get lots of opportunities to get better and play matches. We also take part in different activities and learn more about different things. West Ham has helped me learn so many things which make me a better football player.
What do you think the future looks like for football in East London and England? What do you want to change?
I want to change racist comments happening towards black players and I would like to see mixed football (men and women playing together). I want to see that everyone is included and feels safe when taking part in football.
