Colchester United Community Foundation has expanded its Premier League Kicks programme to support young people in Witham. The new sessions, funded by the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, will provide free football and workshops to engage young people aged 11-17 from high-need areas. The programme aims to reduce antisocial behaviour and youth violence by providing positive outlets for young people. The sessions will be held at Witham Sports Centre on Fridays from 8pm to 9pm. Louis Garbett, head of health and inclusion at Colchester United Community Foundation, said: 'Through our communication with the police and the PFCC, we identified there is a need for our already successful Kicks programme to be expanded into these two new areas.' The programme is now running for the next year at The Gilberd School in Colchester on Mondays from 5.30pm to 6.30pm, and at Witham Sports Centre on Fridays from 8pm to 9pm. Roger Hirst MBE, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, said: 'Providing free sporting sessions to young people goes a long way in giving them that positive focus, putting them in front of adult role models, making friends with shared interests – all the things that will hold their attention and support them to build a healthy lifestyle.'