NEWSROOM

Delivered by AFC Telford United Foundation, the new KIX session will take place every Tuesday from 5pm to 6pm from 6 October 2026, giving young people aged 11 to 16 a safe, welcoming place to stay active, make friends and take part in positive activities close to home.

Funded by the Council and free to attend, the sessions form part of wider efforts to provide positive opportunities for young people, strengthen communities and help reduce social isolation and anti-social behaviour.

The KIX programme has been running successfully across Telford & Wrekin for several years and has been recognised nationally as the National League Trust Project of the Year. Through football and youth engagement activities, it supports hundreds of young people each year to build confidence, improve wellbeing and develop positive relationships.

While football is at the heart of the programme, KIX is about much more than sport. Sessions provide a welcoming environment where young people can spend time with friends, meet trusted adults and take part in positive activities in their local area.

Cabinet Member for Safer Streets and Better Housing, Councillor Nathan England said: "We are committed to investing in opportunities for young people and making sure there are free activities available in our communities.

"By funding programmes like KIX through our Building Safer & Stronger Communities initiative, we're helping young people access positive activities that support their wellbeing, build confidence and create lasting connections with friends and trusted adults.

"These sessions are completely free for local families and are another example of how we are working with partners to create safer, stronger communities across Telford and Wrekin."

Tom Elliott, AFC Telford United Foundation Manager, said: "We're delighted to be bringing KIX to Burton Borough and giving even more young people access to the opportunities the programme provides.

"While football is often what attracts young people to the sessions, it's the friendships, confidence and sense of belonging they gain that make a lasting difference. We look forward to welcoming young people from the area when the sessions begin in October."

The new Burton Borough session forms part of the Council's wider work to support young people through positive activities and early intervention opportunities in communities across the borough.

Young people aged 11 to 16 and their families are encouraged to come along and get involved.

For details of KIX sessions and other activities available to young people across the borough, visit www.Telford.gov.uk/freefootball