A MINISTER has praised Leyton Orient Community Sports Programme (LOCSP) for its work on the award-winning national Kickz sports programme.

Kickz, which won best Communtiy Programme at the Sports Industry Awards, aims to give men and women aged 12 to 18 years the chance to play football and other sports as well as taking part in other activities including music production and dance.

LOCSP runs Kickz programmes in Waltham Forest, Redbridge, Tower Hamlets and Hackney.

Gerry Sutcliffe, junior sports minister, said: "“Everyone working on Kickz has played their part and should be proud of the positive impact they've had on the lives of tens of thousands of young people.

“I want to congratulate Leyton Orient Community Sports Programmes’ staff and their local partners for their work in making Kickz the success story it is.”

In addition to sport, Kickz also aims to break down barriers between the police and young people, reducing crime and anti-social behaviour and encouraging them to think about serious social issues such as the dangers of being involved in gang activity, carrying guns and knives or alcohol and drug abuse.