Mepham enjoys Premier League Kicks

Mepham was on hand to help make it a memorable night for over 35 children in the Premier League Kicks programme.

Run by the AFC Bournemouth Community Sports Trust, the sessions are free of charge and are open to all.

They’re held across the Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch and welcome young players on a turn-up-and-play basis to get involved with the game.

For the second consecutive season the project in the Bournemouth area is proudly sponsored by Beales, one of Bournemouth’s most popular department stores and an official partner of the Community Sports Trust.

As the project’s new ambassador, 21-year-old Mepham got stuck in, gave some coaching pointers and answered plenty of questions in a great evening on the astroturf pitches next door to Vitality Stadium.

The defender said: "It’s really good to see young faces, seeing the smiles on their faces and them enjoying their football is something that’s really important.

"It’s also important for football clubs to have that link in the community and this club is excellent at being a presence in the local area.

"The kids have turned up to enjoy their football on a cold night and it’s been a really fun evening for us all."

Tony Brown, CEO of Beales, added: "AFC Bournemouth always want to put something back into the community, and so do we as a proud sponsor of the project.

Really nice to be able to spend time with so many young talented footballers this evening at the training ground ⚽️ 🍒 my pleasure 😇 https://t.co/0tLJGwvVLK

— Chris Mepham (@c_meps) February 20, 2019

"The kids get an opportunity to become part of the team and work together, it’s worthwhile work and something we’re very proud to be involved in."