Seaside Kicks Project

On Tuesday 22nd June 2021, Llanelli Mayor and Deputy Mayor, Cllrs. Mike Cranham and Sean Rees were at the ’Seaside Kicks’ Project.  

 

Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn visited the project to present organisers with a ‘Dyfed-Powys Police Force Partnership Award’.

 

Funded locally by the Commissioner, ’Seaside Kicks’ has been running for over a year in the Llanelli area whereby around 60 local children and young people attend free weekly outdoor sessions to participate in football coaching sessions, as well as informal sessions that address crime issues. Organisers also work closely with the local neighbourhood policing team to help better the lives of local young people.

 

Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said

“It was great to be able to visit 'Seaside Kicks' once again this week and to see the enjoyment the sessions bring to children and young people in the area. It gives me great pleasure to present the organisers with the Dyfed-Powys Police Force Partnership award that acknowledges the positive impact the sessions are having on the lives of children and young people in the area. As a sports enthusiast, I am fully aware of the influence that sport and exercise have on the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities in general.”

 

“It’s great to see that so many children and young people turn out at Seaside on a weekly basis. These sessions are inclusive, and potentially life-changing, and have also allowed local police officers to develop better relationships with young people in the area.”

 

“I would like to thank Councillor Sean Rees, and all at Llanelli Town Council for working closely with me and Dyfed-Powys Police to bring this inspirational initiative to the area.”

 

Craig Richards from the Swansea City FC Community Trust, added “The Swans Kicks Project in partnership with the Dyfed Powys Police and Crime Commissioner offers the young people in the area a safe place to come and play football in an excellent facility, for free. We are delighted and honoured to win Dyfed Powys Police Force Partnership Award and thank the Police and Crime Commissioner for his ongoing support for the project.

“It’s been fantastic to show the commissioner the impact our coaches have on young people in Llanelli by helping build their confidence and providing skills and knowledge they need to hopefully encourage them to strive for a positive future.”

Cody Stevens, one of the participants, has recently moved from attending the sessions to becoming a volunteer, encouraging other young people to get involved and acting as a role model, inspiring his peers.

He commented “I’m really enjoying my time volunteering with the Swans down Seaside. It has improved my confidence massively. I enjoy coaching, showing the kids new skills and my love for the game.”