Hussain kicks bad-boy attitude

Hussain Ali: reformed character

Soccer project an inspiration
THE beautiful game has motivated a teenager to transform his bad behaviour — and is helping in the fight against crime in Oldham.

Hussain Ali is a reformed character after taking part in Latics’ Kickz project — designed to give bored children a positive outlet — and has been nominated for a national award for inspiring other youngsters.

And the scheme, which also educates about the devastating impact of crime, has been hailed for helping reduce criminal damage and anti-social behaviour.

Hussain, from Coldhurst, who attends Oldham Academy North, used to hang around on street corners but now hangs around corner flags thanks to the project, which was set up by Oldham Athletic Community Trust back in 2008.

Gone is the bad language and rude behaviour —changed for a new and improved attitude, which has got him into the shortlist for the Inspiring Young Person of the Year at the national Kickz awards.

The 15-year-old, who was delighted to be nominated, said: “Kickz is fun, I like getting to play football and the staff are great.

“Before I started I used to be a bit bad and was hanging round on the streets, but I’ve changed because of this project.”

The social inclusion project is sweeping bored teens off the streets, giving them three nights of football sessions and educational workshops.

Many are learning about the criminal justice system and anti-social behaviour, including knife crime, with 371 kids signing up since its inception.

James Mwale, inclusion and Kickz co-ordinator, said: “At first Hussain’s attitude wasn’t the best and he was pretty rude to staff — but he’s probably attended more Kickz sessions than anyone else since the project started and has racked up 117 voluntary hours.

“We have now seen the biggest change in attitude in him than we have ever seen in any one participant.

“He volunteers regularly by refereeing and he’s very mindful with his language — he actively motivates everyone around him.”

Andy Williams, Kickz’ head coach said: “Hussain is a born leader. When someone puts their head down, he’s the guy who picks them up — he deserves this award.”

The Kickz team believes the reported reduction in crime in the area since the project began has been helped by their good work.

James said: “The statistics are an indication of the impact that the Kickz project is having within the area.

The scheme, funded by the Football Foundation and Oldham Council, offers the scheme at three venues: Grange all-weather pitch on Tuesdays, 7pm-9.30pm; Robin Hill Youth Centre on Thursdays, 6pm-8.30pm and the OBA Millennium Centre on Saturdays, 7pm-10pm.

Hussain is invited to the awards ceremony at Aston Villa’s ground next Friday. It will feature youngsters from 42 professional football clubs.




How Kickz is working



371 registered participants

All crime down 20.3 per cent

Criminal damage down 22.4 per cent on scheme days

Robbery down 17 per cent

Violence against the person down 28.9 per cent

Anti-social behaviour down 11.6 per cent

Kickz investment of £47k in last 12 months. Potential saving to criminal justice system of over £2.5m