Kyran's story: Premier League Kicks has allowed me to guide others

The Premier League Charitable Fund has launched the Premier League Kicks Alumni survey, which aims to understand the impact that the Premier League's longest-running community programme has on participants.

As part of this campaign, we are telling the story of the programme through the voices of those who have taken part.

To complete the Alumni survey, click here.

Eight years ago, Premier League Kicks coach and mentor Kyran Graham made a decision that would change the course of his life.

One Friday night Kyran travelled to the Score Leisure Centre in Leyton, east London, to attend a Premier League Kicks session run by Leyton Orient Trust.

He's not looked back since.

"If I hadn't attended Premier League Kicks, I wouldn't have known about all the opportunities that are out there and I wouldn't be in the position I am today," Kyran says.

"The programme has evolved me, it's made me a better person. It's also given me a platform for who I am, to help others and to show people what it's all about."

From early on in his Premier League Kicks career, Kyran was eager to be more than a participant.

And thanks to the pathways offered by the programme, Kyran was able to explore routes into training and eventually employment.

As well as attending more than 900 sessions, Kyran volunteered, delivered social-action projects and helped vulnerable people. He also successfully passed the College Study Programme and went on to securing a full-time youth engagement coach role with Leyton Orient Trust.

And to mark his achievements and dedication to Premier League Kicks, Kyran was named Leyton Orient's 'Local Legend' in 2022 as a part of the programme's 15-year anniversary.

"I know from first-hand experience that it's made my life much better," he says. "I was in a bad place, I needed help and guidance, so now from experience, I'm able to encourage other people."

Leyton Orient Trust are one of 93 clubs that deliver Premier League Kicks in some of the hardest to reach parts of England and Wales.

More than half a million young people that have been engaged by the programme since it began in 2006 and from his position as a mentor and role model, Kyran is fully aware as to how important Premier League Kicks is for his local area.

"It's letting kids be kids within their own space," he says. "It's understanding what they want, their needs, and how we can help them.

"You see quite a lot of young people with nothing to do. I'll see a couple of them and then I invite them to my sessions, a place where they are free to be themselves. 

"Premier League Kicks brings the community together. It makes it much easier to engage with people that you wouldn't have done before."

Funded by the Premier League through the Premier League Charitable Fund, Premier League Kicks uses the power of football and sport to inspire young people to reach their potential, in some of the most high-need areas in England and Wales.

More than half a million people have benefited to date.