Football Foundation

PMP were commissioned by the Football Foundation in association with the Metropolitan Police in April 2006 to conduct a piece of research with local residents in five specific areas of London to gain an understanding of perceptions of crime and anti-social behaviour.

The study involved conducting a postal survey with a random sample of 10,000 residents (2,000 in each of the five different areas) to obtain their views. The results have been used to provide baseline information and it is intended, that the survey will be repeated in the future to ascertain whether the ‘Kickz’ initiative has improved people’s perceptions of crime and anti-social behaviour as a result of young people being involved in the scheme.

The concept, launched earlier this year by Prime Minister Tony Blair, was born out of discussions between the Metropolitan Police and the football industry.

Using the power of football and the appeal of professional football clubs, the purpose of Kickz is to target some of the most disadvantaged areas of the country in order to create safer, stronger and more respectful communities through the development of young people's potential.

The project name and logo, 'Kickz', was chosen and designed by young people. The Government's support for the programme, through the Respect Task Force, led to a desire to expand it further than London, which will now lead to involvement from the Association of Chief Police Officers and Association of Police Authorities.

Funding for the programme's roll out will be provided primarily by HM Treasury via the Football Foundation with additional support from the Department for Culture Media and Sport, the youth volunteering charity v, the Respect Task Force and the Department of Health.