Foundation

Albion shine at Kick It Out tournament

Albion’s Premier League Kicks side have been crowned champions at a local Kick It Out tournament as part of the equality and inclusion organisation’s 25-year celebrations.

Eight under-14s teams from the Midlands went head-to-head at the Aston Villa Acaemy, with the Baggies beating all opposition in their way – defeating Coventry City's Sky Blues in the Community 2-1 in the final.

The festival of football also carried an important message as Cyrille Regis' wife, Julia, was a part of workshops held by members of the BAME and LGBT community as they spoke of social barriers they have faced in life.

"The work Kick It Out continues to do around racism and breaking down barriers is something we are proud to be a part of - it was a really special and memorable day," said Paul Blagrove, The Albion Foundation Kicks Engagement Officer.

"We say it time and time again, football is a universal language and it continues to reach out into these hard to reach areas where football is life for some of these boys.

"Getting to have a break away from issues they might be having in their lives I think is massive as Kicks continues to provide opportunities to these young participants.

"To have left as winners is great but I think what the team took from the day through the workshops will prove to be equally as important to them, if not more so."

To find out more regarding the Foundation's Kicks programme, please email paul.blagrove@albionfoundation.co.uk.