Tigers Trust: Sophie’s confidence boost thanks to Premier League Kicks sessions

 

The Premier League Kicks project has been running in the most high-need areas of Hull since September 2010, engaging with over 2,000 participants each year. 

 

Having recently turned 18, Sophie has seen her role on the PL Kicks programme change from participant to volunteer, now going above and beyond to encourage and inspire others. 

 

Speaking about the sessions, Sophie said: “I enjoy coming to the Tigers Trust sessions as it helps keep me fit and it means I can meet new friends too. 

 

“I’ve changed quite a lot since first coming to the sessions, I now talk a lot more and my communication has definitely improved. This means I can now help other people if they ever do need help.” 

 

The Trust’s PL Kicks Disability Lead Officer Millie Sharp has worked with Sophie closely and she says it’s been fantastic to see her development across the last few years. 

 

“She continues to attend two weekly sessions without fail and this has since seen her confidence grow more and more,” she said. 

 

This growth in confidence has opened further opportunities for Sophie who now volunteers as a Match Ball Assistant for Hull City. 

 

Olly Burdett works with Sophie on matchdays as a Match Ball Assistant Mentor and says that “she’s an absolute pleasure” to work alongside. 

 

“Sophie’s brilliant at returning the ball quickly, but most importantly her attitude is always fantastic,” he said. 

 

If you would like to find out more about our Premier League Kicks programme and how you can follow Sophie’s influential journey, please click here.