Kickz Learning Centre at Gibside
On Thursday 27th November 2008 Sunderland AFC goalkeeper Craig Gordon cut the ribbon at the official opening of the Kickz Learning Centre on behalf of Cestria Community Housing and SAFC Foundation the football club’s official charity.
The centre will provide local young people with the opportunity to join in an exciting and challenging range of educational and sporting activities. It will also provide them with a place to socialise and relax. There will be various workshops on offer to help youngsters gain accreditation and help seek employment.
As part of the project, Cestria and Sunderland AFC Foundation staff will work alongside to teach football skills and tackle issues such as poor health, access to training and development, crime and unemployment issues.
Lesley Spuhler, SAFC Foundation Chief Executive said: “Sport can play a key role in engaging young people and teaching them how to develop their skills and abilities and how to become good citizens. The aim of the Kickz programme and the new learning centre is to provide young people with a place to do that and encourage them to come in off the streets and join in some positive activities.”
Paul Tinnion, Chair of Cestria’s Board said “We are committed to working at the heart of the local community and see our work with the Foundation as a way to really change people’s lives. We are especially proud to be the first Kickz project in the county to open a Learning Shop and hope the initiative goes from strength to strength”.