KELLIE FOOTBALL CLUB’s main objective is developing youths in the involvement of community development and leadership; young people face a whole range of problems, which can cause distress and even mental ill health with issues like bullying, family problems, bad relationships and drugs causing huge stress. It is estimated that one in five young people experience mental health problems. Living on the streets means people can find themselves vulnerable to a wide range of problems, including drugs and alcohol abuse, gang violence, prostitution and involvement in crime.

Many young people have multiple and complex difficulties which require intensive support, KELLIE FC gives support to young people, offering practical training, help and advice in solving their problems and helping to improve their lives. It’s all about the fun of football-and the good things about it; team spirit, global learning, and living without violence. Our project is all about football as a cultural mediator and a medium for social development.

Sport can play a role in improving the lives of individuals, and not just individuals, but whole communities. I am convinced that the time is right to build on that understanding, to encourage governments, development agencies and communities to think how sport can be included more systematically in the plans to help children, particularly those living in the midst of poverty, disease and conflict.”