The Kent Youth League is delighted to announce a brand-new charity partnership with the Tommy Crush Foundation.
The Tommy Crush Foundation has a mission to raise money to support teenagers vulnerable to suicide.
One in ten young people are experiencing a mental health issue at any one time and shockingly, suicide is the leading cause of death for those aged 5-19. In addition to this, in an average group of thirty 15-year-olds:
- Seven are likely to have been bullied
- Six may be self-harming
- One could have experienced the death of a parent
As a leading England Football accredited league, the Kent Youth League provides football for around 3,500 young players across the county. Across our 20 divisions and 193 teams, the League understands its unique reach and ability to connect with young people.
After a challenging couple of seasons, the impact of Covid 19 is still being felt and its impact upon young people’s mental health. In partnership with the Tommy Crush Foundation, the League aims to empower young people with support, raise awareness of the charity and equip coaches and volunteers with more knowledge and expertise should they be approached by a vulnerable young person.
Speaking about the partnership, Kent Youth League Chief Executive, Ken Brooke said:
“I feel that this a much-needed opportunity for our league to be part of the foundation at a time when we are all experiencing change due mainly to the impact of COVID. For our young people to have somewhere to reach out to through the football family is a really important development and I look forward to working with the Foundation.”
As part of our partnership launch, the League will host three free mental health workshops. Delivered by Colin Rouse, Director of Growth and Development at Changing Minds Kent, coaches and volunteers are invited to sign up to the workshops. The workshops will be accredited qualifications to upskill and support volunteers, so they enhance their understanding of mental health first aid.
The workshops will take place from 6:45-9:45pm on the following dates and venues:
- Wednesday 12th January 2022 – Bromley Football Club
- Wednesday 19th January 2022 – K Sports, Cobdown
- Wednesday 26h January 2022 – Folkestone Invicta Football Club
This workshop is fully covered and funded by the League, so you do not need to worry about paying or any expense to attend. However, with spaces limited we do ask that those who sign up are fully committed to attending and should circumstances change and you can no longer make it, to let the League know.
Alongside these workshops, the Kent Youth League is pleased to dedicate our 2021 Advent Calendar in support of the charity.
Following the success of our advent calendar last year, the League will be gifting a £10 gift voucher each day to a player from the League, selected at random. As well as gifting our players, we will be sharing important messages and guidance on our social media channels to help young people during what can be a tough, challenging time of year.
You can follow this on our Twitter and Instagram pages.
The partnership will develop over the season including at our Cup Finals. In the meantime, to learn more about the Tommy Crush Foundation you can:
For any further questions about the KYL and Tommy Crush Foundation Partnership, please email charlotte.richardson@kentyouthleague.co.uk
