Foundation of Light recognised for work with young people

The Foundation of Light’s Premier League Kicks programme has successfully achieved the Ambition Quality Bronze award, formally recognising the high standards of service provision and good practice in it’s work with young people. Kicks is a free programme for 8 to 19-year olds, which engages boys and girls in positive and constructive activities, with the aim of creating safer, stronger and more inclusive communities. Whether their interest is music, sport, computers or art, Kicks gives young people from all backgrounds the chance to achieve their potential and develop positive relationships with each other and the authorities.

Taking part in the Ambition Bronze award has really helped us to feel confident that our policies and procedures are robust. Being formally recognised for our good practice will help us develop and grow the Kicks programme, to improve the lives of more young people across our community.

Dave Jeffries, Foundation of Light Kick’s Co-ordinator

Taking place in Sunderland for a number of years, hundreds of young people have been through the Foundation of Light programme, supporting them to find routes into education, training and employment. Ambition Quality is an externally-validated award which enables youth organisations to develop and improve. It is suitable for organisations of all sizes and participants are measured against 10 quality areas including:

• Focus on young people
• Outcomes and impact for young people
• Safeguarding
• Diversity, equality and inclusion
• Staff and volunteers
• Premises, resources and health & safety
• Administration
• Leadership, management and governance
• Partnerships
• New ideas and improvements