A community football programme started by Moss Side-based Fathers Against Violence (FAV) is calling on Manchester businesses to support an initiative that aims to inspire local young people through sport - Can U Kick It?
Can U Kick It? was launched by FAV, a grass-roots organisation which provides support for fathers in Moss Side and Hulme, training them to become mentors for young people who may not have a male role model at home. FAV was established by local resident James Gregory in 2011 to help families keep their children out of gangs. Mr Gregory felt a strong need to act after his son, Giuseppe, was shot dead in 2009 – the innocent victim of a mistaken revenge attack. 
Can U Kick It? offers free weekly football training to boys ranging from the ages of 6 to 16. The sport-based programme is facilitated by volunteer coaches from the local community who also act as mentors to help build their confidence and broaden their aspirations. Can U Kick It? also offers participants a chance to develop key life skills including team work and social skills.
“Gang violence has been a huge issue in Moss Side and Hulme for a long time, and has caused devastation in many families like mine. FAV and Can U Kick It?’s mission is to put to an end to the tragic loss of young lives by inspiring our youth to believe in themselves and have the ambition to pursue a life outside gangs,” said Mr Gregory.
“Can U Kick It? is making a difference to the community because having a positive role model and experiencing the camaraderie of a team can change a young person’s perspective on life. We’re hoping that Manchester’s businesses can really see the value in our cause and recognise what their support would mean to the people we help.”
FAV is now looking to Manchester’s businesses to help Can U Kick It? grow and reach more young people and families. Businesses can lend their support by providing a range of resources such as contributing towards the costs of a new training pitch, FA Level 2 coaching courses, first aid courses as well as team equipment and a mini bus to take them to competitions.
HEINEKEN is one of the first businesses to get behind Can U Kick It? by providing new football kits for the team and supporting FAV to run a promotional drive to recruit new adult mentors and young participants.
Can U Kick It? was one of the community projects voted on at a public workshop run by HEINEKEN last November as part of the brewer’s initiative to develop selected community projects in the area.
For further information and to get involved, email James Gregory, at: [email protected].