Barclay's Premier League: Premier Skills, to create safer and more respectful communities

                The partnership between Premier League and that British Council produced the so called Premier Skills. It uses the knowledge and expertise of both groups to help marginalized the youth in developing skills and in tackling a variety of social issues such as health, education, disability and inclusion to name some.

                 The scheme not only involves the Premier League and the British Council but local partners Beyond the Ball, Boys & Girls Club - Little Village, Chicago Fire Soccer Club and Chicago Fire Foundation, Chicago Park District, and World Sport Chicago, and in association with Major League Soccer.

                "Chicago and Premier Skills is a perfect match: a sports-mad metropolis with neighborhoods where innovative educational program can make a real difference," Stephen Bridges, British Consul General Chicago, said.

                "I am convinced that the impressive results Premier Skills has delivered in communities across the world will be replicated here, thanks in part to the incredible commitment I have seen first-hand from local partners, as well as the vital support given by the British Council, Chicago Fire and Mayor Rahm Emanuel."

                In 2007, the Premier Skills initiative began and has worked in over 25 countries around the world, training grassroots instructors, coaches, and referees who possess the skills and confidence to run community football and training projects of their own. This helped to implement safer, stronger and more respectful communities. It punched a major impact with 2,500 coaches and referees being trained, who have multiplied to reach 500,000 youngsters.

               "At home the Premier League and our clubs have a long-held commitment and reputation for delivering high quality community and education programs," said Premier League Chief Executive Richard Scudamore.

               "Given our popularity and success internationally, we felt it only right to take this approach to a wider community. I am thrilled to see Premier Skills now rolling out in the US."