The Allstar Girls
Shanice, Luton, England
Goal Click and the Premier League Charitable Fund teamed up to tell the inside story of Premier League Kicks as part of the Premier League Youth Summit.
Eight young people documented their diverse experiences of Premier League Kicks during the summer of 2021 through their own eyes and voices. The storytellers represented four club community organisations (CCOs) in the Premier League and English Football League – West Ham United Foundation, Nottingham Forest Community Trust, Luton Town Community Trust, and Pompey in the Community.
Premier League Kicks uses the reach and appeal of the Premier League and network of professional football clubs. Premier League Kicks will regularly engage children and young people of all backgrounds and abilities in football, sport and personal development – providing a trusted, positive influence in high-need areas across England and Wales.
Playing with Luton Town Community Trust, Shanice wrote about her photos, football life, and the impact of PL Kicks on her community - including opportunities to interact with local police officers.
Can you introduce yourself and tell us about your football life?
My name is Shanice, I am 17, and I’ve been living in Luton all my life. I attend PL Kicks at Lea Manor Astro. I first got into football because of my brother and my father, I was one of those siblings who copied everything their older siblings did. As my brother supported Manchester United, I did too, and began going to his games at age 7. When I was 10, I started off as a good keeper for my school and by 11 I plucked up the courage to go out on pitch.
When I turned 13 my dad took me to a Luton Town training session, and I ended up signing for them for one season where I played as a midfielder/winger. After the season was over, I stopped playing for a year. However, I started playing again at 15 at Luton Allstars FC as a forward, where I have been now for two seasons and I’m continuing to play this upcoming season there alongside training with and signing for Luton Town Ladies.
Who is in these photos? Do any of the people have interesting stories?
All these people are part of the Lea Manor PL Kicks sessions and attend regularly. Some of the boys who attend Kicks play at a high level of football - some players are at Academy level. One player is at Luton Town, one has signed with MK Dons, and we have a goalkeeper who plays with Tottenham Hotspur Academy.
What did you try to show with the photos? Was there any wider meaning with the photos?
The photos were taken at Lea Manor Astro, Marsh Farm, in Luton. These photos represent the weekly activities performed at these sessions. Friends, family, and even strangers come together to play football on the pitches, or some people come to watch or practise shooting.
I didn’t just want to show people playing football, but who is playing. You can see the wide range of ages and genders involved. Girls and boys can play together at a competitive level and still have fun. Any difference in ability doesn’t stop everyone being together.
What is your favourite photo? Why?
There are photos of us speaking with people from Luton Borough Council (who look after the community) and the police officer. On this day I didn’t end up playing football. Instead, I talked for nearly 2 hours with the council and police where they shared their interesting stories and the police officer, Mr Khan, told me and my friends about some of his cases. We even got them to kick the ball around. Afterwards they explained some of the many opportunities in the council and police force.
Why is football important for your community?
I believe football is important for my community because it brings everyone together. At Kicks a wide range of age groups attend who play all together. Also, it brings teens off the streets and out of trouble. Playing football gives them a purpose and sense of responsibility.
What does football mean to you? What ambitions do you have for the future?
To me football isn’t just a physical experience, I think it creates friendships, team spirit, and brings out good qualities in people for later life. For example, you need to be able to communicate effectively and efficiently with your team to win.
How does taking part in Kicks make you feel? What do you like most?
Being part of Kicks has made me feel part of a family. Every week I’m welcomed with lots of smiles and jokes from all the coaches which always makes my day. Playing makes me feel free and also energised at the same time. Without the sessions I wouldn’t have anywhere to play during the week, so I appreciate the Kicks program.
What impact has the Luton Town programme had on you?
There is a collection of impacts the programme has had on me. As part of the female football world, Luton has given me a sense of identity and other opportunities to play against Academy teams. It has encouraged people, especially boys, to see that football isn’t just a male sport but is also for girls, like myself. I can show my potential as a player. Furthermore, the program has not only given me physical opportunities but also business ideas, coaching, and volunteering opportunities.
Playing for Luton Allstars and now Luton Ladies is a result of attending the PL Kicks sessions. It gave me that pathway.
What do you think the future looks like for football in Luton and England? What do you want to change?
I think the football community is going to grow immensely, especially after the Euros. I think more young people who were not as interested in sport will begin to be drawn to football around England. In Luton, I think as Luton Town approach more schools and colleges more people will join teams. Football will be the biggest sport in the future for both boys and girls.
What are the football opportunities for girls in your community?
Before Kicks there were not many opportunities for girls like me. However, Kicks has given me opportunities to represent Luton Town and play against Academy teams such as Norwich. There is now a BTEC program for girls who want to study and play football. And Kicks has opened up a girls-only session on the Astro.
What is it like interacting with the police as part of the Kicks programme?
The police were very polite and educational. They were happy to answer any questions we all had and even joined in and played with us. The police also mentioned ways to stay safe and also being with the police helped us see that they are trying to help the community and bring everyone together.
