Ledley King rewards 'local legend' Jadon

Ledley King met an inspirational local young person this week to mark the 15th anniversary of the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation’s delivery of Premier League Kicks.

Kicks, which was originally piloted by the Club in 2006, has helped thousands of young people across the country to reach their potential through free weekly football sessions and educational workshops. Tottenham Hotspur Foundation itself has hosted over 6,200 Kicks sessions, engaging with a total of 9,962 participants.

The main aim of the programme is to involve and support young adults in regular, fun, and positive activity, whilst helping to create stronger, safer, and more inclusive communities.

As part of the 15-year celebrations, each Premier League Club has nominated a Kicks ‘Local Legend’ - somebody who has taken part in, volunteered and inspired others through the programme.

Earlier this week, Club Ambassador Ledley visited a Kicks session on the Ferry Lane estate in Tottenham, the home of our original Kicks sessions, to meet Jadon Anderson.

The 21-year-old was nominated as our ‘Local Legend’ due to his commitment to the programme over seven years, which has seen him develop from a Kicks participant to a Tottenham Hotspur Foundation coach. During this time, Jadon has matured into a role model within the community, inspiring others through his hard work and dedication.

Ledley presented Jadon with his Local Legend award, along with a surprise video message from Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, congratulating Jadon on his achievement.

Speaking at the session, Ledley said: “Kicks has had an incredibly positive impact over the past 15 years and it was great to go down to Ferry Lane this week - I remember being there when it all started. It’s so important we recognise and celebrate the achievements of people like Jadon, who have helped make Kicks what it is today. It’s vital we continue to support young people and provide them with regular activities - Kicks helps to achieve this.”

Jadon commented: “It was an honour to be named Tottenham Hotspur Foundation’s Kicks Local Legend. I have been a part of this programme since the age of 14 and it has helped me become the person I am today. I have loved the journey from a Kicks participant, all the way through to now being a coach and I look forward to running more sessions with many more incredible young people.”