Wigan Athletic's Kickz Project played in a friendly against Man City's Kickz Project. The game was really even with both teams having good opportunities to score. Wigan was the winners by 1 goal scored from the spot, by centre back Shane Heaton in the first half. The man of he match award was given to 4 people, John Green, Shane Heaton, Liam Rigby and Jack Grundy. Liam and Jack were the goal keepers who kept Wigan in the game, pulling a string of fine saves. Both Keepers had a half each, with Jack saving a penalty. John was the captain of the who led by example pulling the strings from the centre of midfield spot, being involved in every aspect of the game and was unlucky not to score from a well executed free kick.



The game started with shaky start from the back four but once the nerves settled commanding centre half Shane Heaton took the game by the scruff of the neck and put it a fine performance.

A good winning start for the boys. Bring on Man Utd, Bolton and Blackburn.



Wigan Athletic Community Trust have been awarded a grant from the Football Foundation, to deliver the Kickz Project in the Wigan borough

The project aims to create safer, stronger and more respectful communities through the development of young peoples potential using football as an attraction.

We hope this project will help reduce crime and anti-social behaviour, break down barriers between police and young people, create routes into training and employment, increase young people's interest in football and increase playing, coaching and officiating opportunities.

So far the project has been a huge success. Over 300 young people have been involved with the project, with an average of between 50 and 70 young people attending each session. There has also been a reduction of over 25% in anti-social calls in Hagfold since the project started.

We are currently working in Hagfold, Atherton on a Tuesday and Wednesday evening from 6pm to 8pm with a possibility of expanding to a Monday evening as well.

The Kickz project has now expanded even further by developing a saturday morning club where youngsters from the local area can come down and enjoy free coaching from the qualified Wigan Athletic coaches.

If anyone would be interested in lending a hand in the running of this project with the possible option of gaining a football coaching qualification please contact myself on the number provided or alternatively send me an email using the address below.

Many thanks
Lee Collier
Wigan Kickz Co-ordinator
01942 824599
wiganathletickickz@hotmail.co.uk