AN award-winning youth football project, which has been cited as an example by the head of Camden s Police, is in danger of closing due to a lack of funds. Chief Superintendent Dominc Clout, Camden Borough Commander, recently praised the Kickz project,

AN award-winning youth football project, which has been cited as an example by the head of Camden's Police, is in danger of closing due to a lack of funds.

Chief Superintendent Dominc Clout, Camden Borough Commander, recently praised the Kickz project, which works with more than 200 young people from the Alexandra and Ainsworth Estate and other surrounding estates in Kilburn.

But it may be forced to close after its private benefactor withdrew funding last week. As a result, the Alexandra and Ainsworth Tenants' and Residents' Association (TRA) have made a donation of �500.

Now campaigners want Camden Council or the Government to help to save the project.

Charlie Hedges, chairman Alexandra and Ainsworth TRA, said: "The Kickz staff are impressive to say the least.

"The core of their work on this estate revolves around teaching the life skills that will help young people in this area to achieve their true potential. We hope that this partnership work will continue."

Kilburn Labour campaigner, Mike Katz said: "It would be disappointing if the Kickz programme had to close due to lack of funds.

"The TRA has put its hand in its pocket, now it's time for Camden to do so. They should invest in our young people and help ensure the survival of Kickz."

The Kickz programme works in two areas across the borough, Rowley Way in Kilburn Ward and Castlehaven in Kentish Town.

The recent loss of a private benefactor, who sponsored Kickz in Camden for �20,000, means that the project now needs alternative financial support.

If funding cannot be secured, the Steering Group of Camden Kickz said it would be forced to close down one or both of the Kickz projects.

The Camden Kickz Steering Group has made several attempts to secure funding from the local authority, but they have not yet been successful.

Camden Borough Commanders Fund committed �21,500 to Kickz in Camden for the current financial year, ending at the end of this month (March 2010).

A council spokeswoman said: "The council provides the Kickz project with a sports coach to help run the scheme and the use of sports venues, either for free or at concessionary prices.

"We have a duty to use funding for projects that will be most effective at meeting the needs of the borough's young people.