Football Squirts coaching for next generation of players now available in Blyth
Two football fans have turned their lifelong passion for the beautiful game into a coaching business for toddlers and young children aged two to six.
And the latest addition to Football Squirts, established by Matt Lawn and Chris Towers, is Blyth.
It is being led by new territory owner Lewis Brannen, a former Newcastle United youth player who joined the organisation earlier this year. The Blyth venue is based at Bede Academy.
Football Squirts began after Matt returned from two years playing football in the United States and saw an opportunity to create fun, inclusive sessions focused on enjoyment rather than ability.
Chris, who began coaching while at university and gained experience working with football charity programmes across the North East, later joined him.
Together, they launched their first branch in Ponteland and have since expanded to operate at locations in Newcastle and North Tyneside, with Blyth adding to their Northumberland locations.
Lewis brings both professional football experience and strong community ties.
He said: “I played for Newcastle from the age of 11, then moved into engineering after I was released.
“When I met Matt and Chris earlier this year, I knew straightaway this was the right move. The chance to run the Blyth territory and help young children fall in love with football was too good to miss.”
Lewis added: “When the kids come in, we greet them, get them smiling and make sure they feel welcome straightaway.
“It’s all about fun games, energy and giving them a great experience. Football ability doesn’t matter – what matters is that every child leaves with a smile on their face.”
To support their growth, Chris and Matt have partnered with business strategist and coach Linda Lowther from Advice 4 Business North East, whose role has been to help professionalise and scale the operation.
Linda said: “As a business advisor, my job is to take the lads’ long-term vision and turn it into something structured, profitable and sustainable. That includes refining their tried-and-tested model and preparing it for new territory owners.
“The business has grown significantly and bringing in people like Lewis is the natural next step.”
For more information about Football Squirts, email [email protected]