A football coach has been hailed as a “fantastic role model” after being recognised for his long-term involvement in a social inclusion project and the way he inspires young people.

Matthew Kibbler was selected as Watford Community Sports & Education Trust’s ‘Local Legend’ as part of the 15-year celebrations for the Premier League Kicks (PL Kicks) initiative.

The Premier League’s flagship community programme has supported hundreds of thousands of young people to achieve their potential and improve their wellbeing. This is done through free weekly sport and personal development sessions, educational workshops, volunteering opportunities, chances to gain national recognised qualifications, and involvement in meaningful social action projects.

Originally a participant, Matthew has been involved in the programme for 13 years and went on to gain his coaching qualifications through the Hornets’ community trust.

As part of the celebrations, clubs were asked to nominate a PL Kicks ‘Local Legend’ – somebody who has taken part in, volunteered, or worked on the programme and has inspired others through their dedication, work ethic and own personal development.

Each nominee has received a bespoke ‘Local Legend’ football card, which has been created with support from Premier League partner Panini.

Michael Williams, PL Kicks project manager at the Trust said: “It’s has been great to see how Premier League Kicks has developed over the years and the positive difference it has made, and continues to make, to young people. Here at the Trust, we are proud to have been a part of that success.

“Through the PL Kicks Local Legend initiative, we’ve been able to highlight and thank one of the people who has added real value to our delivery; Matthew is a fantastic role model for the young people he now engages.”

PL Kicks began in the 2006/07 season in partnership with the Metropolitan Police, with the aim of involving and supporting young people in regular, positive, and fun activity, whilst helping to create stronger, safer, more inclusive communities.

The Hornets’ trust have delivered the programme across Hertfordshire, Harrow and Hillingdon, for 14 of those 15 years.

Within this time, thousands of young people have benefitted from this engagement, with highlights including three national and regional Kicks Cup wins and seeing the rise of former PL Kicks regular Michael Folivi, Elvis Bwomono, and Tyrick Mitchell.

Since it began, more than 440,000 young people have participated in PL Kicks football and multi-sport sessions at community venues across England and Wales.

The programme started with four pilot clubs and is now run across 936 venues by 90 Premier League, English Football League and National League sides – all funded by the Premier League.

Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters said: “We are proud of the incredible impact Kicks has had on communities up and down the country over the past 15 years. As we mark the anniversary, this is an opportunity to celebrate the local legends who have helped make Premier League Kicks what it is.

“The success of the programme would not have been possible without the hard work and passion of club staff, coaches and volunteers working alongside young people at Kicks sessions, week in, week out.”