Minister KatherineZappone T.D. officially opened Tallaght’s new KICK Academy recently. The Academy located in Mountain Park, Tallaght namely KICK (Kickboxing to Inspire and Challenge Kids) is a unique, innovative, award-winning and free 12 week programme that aims to improve at-risk teenager’s physical and mental health by combining challenging youth work activities and kickboxing techniques.
KICK is a recent recipient of the Social Innovation Healthy Communities Award. Thanks to the support received from the award, KICK has developed the plan to open a KICK Academy, which will offer a range of programmes to KICK students which allow them to progress, develop mentorship and leadership skills and to ultimately become physical champions in their areas.
Pic Tommy Clancy
Commenting on the opening, Joy O’Shaughnessy, Children & Families Programme Coordinator for South Dublin County Partnership stated: “We are really excited about the launch of the brand new KICK Academy. This new hub will allow us to develop innovative programmes for our KICK students to continue their martial arts and leadership journeys. Our primary aim is to ignite a love for sport in young people – the establishment of the KICK Academy allows us to do just that in our very own fitted-out space.”
On the night, the first batch of KICK Leader graduates were presented with their accredited Level 2 Sports Leader award certificates. KICK Leaders graduates have successfully completed a KICK programme, mentored for another programme and progressed to the KICK Leaders programme.
