Sunderland AFC midfielder Andy Reid teamed up with the band The Five Fingers to help kick-off their musical career. The Five Fingers were formed from a music project funded by the BRIT Trust and were lucky enough to score a day in a music studio where they recorded a number of tracks with Andy accompanying on guitar.
Speaking about the event, Andy Reid said: “This has been a fantastic day for everybody involved. These young lads are brilliant musicians and I am delighted to be able to help them out. To be honest, they have helped me to learn a few tips on guitar too!”
In January 2009 the BRIT Trust, the charitable arm of the British recording industry trade body awarded the SAFC Foundation’s Kickz project £7,600 to deliver musical activity. The project now boasts two bands and two female solo singers, who all write and compose their own music as well as performing it live for audiences.
The music project engages local young people and gives them an opportunity to learn more about music, develop skills they may already have and complete their Bronze Arts Award. Irish midfielder Reid continued, “The work done by the SAFC Foundation in the north-east is something special and these boys have hopefully got something great out of the project.”
Andy Reid and The Five Fingers were recorded their very own song which they wrote in dedication to their young friend, Kane Scales, who sadly died last year and was also part of the SAFC Foundation Kickz project.
Geoff Taylor, Chief Executive of the BPI and trustee of the BRIT Trust said: “Music and football are really important to young people and we’re delighted to be working with Kickz and the Football Foundation to give young people in disadvantaged communities access to better facilities, equipment and mentoring – and to discover the positive role music can play in their lives.”
The BRIT Trust offers young people the opportunity to enhance their lives through music. This makes it a perfect fit with the award-winning Kickz programme, whose primary partners include the Football Foundation, Premier League, Metropolitan Police and other police forces across the country. Through the power of football, Kickz aims to ‘create stronger, safer, more respectful communities, through the development of young peoples’ potential.’
Kickz Coordinator Jen Mildenhall said of the music project, “The progress these young people have made over the last 12 months has been amazing to not only watch but also be involved with. I think the fact they were asked to perform at the 2009 Kickz Awards at Wembley Stadium as well as attend a recording session with Andy Reid highlights how well thought of they all are. Everyone at SAFC Foundation is extremely proud of what they have achieved and long may it continue”.
