Grassroots football · Alfreton

More than a team.

A positive, ambitious and child-first football club where young players develop with confidence, make friends and fall in love with the game.

Lilly Street Lions FC club badge
Our 2026/27 fixtures are out! The Lions’ Under-8 fixtures have now been released. View the full schedule on FA Full-Time.
View our fixtures ↗
PlayLearnGrowEnjoy
Our purpose

Building confident players.
Growing brilliant people.

Lilly Street Lions FC was founded in 2026 to create the kind of football environment every child deserves: safe, supportive, inclusive and full of belief.

We are more than a football club: we are building a family. Winning can be exciting, but development comes first. We praise rather than criticise, teach rather than shout and make every decision in the best interests of the child.

“Shaping confident people, not just footballers.”
The Lions way

Four words.
One philosophy.

Our values shape every training session, matchday and conversation.

01

Play

Football should feel exciting. Every session gives children freedom to express themselves and love the game.

02

Learn

We coach the person as well as the player, building technique, teamwork, resilience and decision-making.

03

Grow

Progress looks different for every child. We praise effort, encourage bravery and celebrate every step.

04

Enjoy

No pressure and no fear of mistakes — just a positive environment where every child belongs.

Lilly Street Lions FC values: fun, respect, teamwork, positivity, development and fair play
2026/27 season

Meet the
young Lions.

Our Under-8s compete in the NDYFL. A small squad, big personalities and one shared goal: improving together.

U8Age group
NDYFLOur league
2026Established
Lilly Street Lions FC club badge
One team · One pride
The Lilly Street difference

What the club offers.

A thoughtful, child-first programme built around communication, recognition, development and memories that last.

01

Weekly recognition

Coaches’ Player of the Match, Parents’ Player of the Match and Lion of the Week celebrate effort, attitude, teamwork, development and enjoyment.

02

A voice for families

Parents can share direct feedback through a nominated spokesperson, helping maintain an open and respectful two-way conversation.

03

Personalised coaching

An initial player questionnaire helps us understand every child and how our coaches can support them most effectively.

04

Meaningful reviews

Mid-season and end-of-season reviews provide time to discuss progress, wellbeing, goals and next steps.

05

Coaching accountability

Parents are invited to provide feedback so that our staff continue learning too.

06

Development all year

Coach education, player development and monthly ball-mastery challenges keep everybody learning and progressing.

One shared standard

What we expect
from each other.

Clear expectations help every child enjoy football without pressure. Children should hear encouragement, not criticism.

01

Our coaches

Plan safe, fun, inclusive and age-appropriate sessions; praise effort; support learning; communicate clearly; act as positive role models and always put welfare before results.

02

Our players

Try their best, listen, arrive with a positive attitude, respect teammates and opponents, encourage others, care for equipment and show good sportsmanship.

03

Our parents

Encourage every player, respect volunteers, opponents and officials, allow coaches to coach, communicate respectfully and help create a positive touchline.

A place for every child

Membership built around the player.

Full club membership

A complete place within the Pride.

Weekly coaching, organised NDYFL matchdays, individual development support, reviews, awards, rotating leadership opportunities, team activities and the complete joining package.

Training-only membership

Confidence first. No pressure.

For children keen to play football but not yet ready for organised league matches, with access to coaching and belonging without competitive pressure.

Full membership package

What your child receives upon joining.

01First-team kit
02Away kit
03Rain jacket
04Zip hoodie
05Winter hat
06Sun hat
07Drawstring bag
08Water bottle
09Welcome certificate
10Joining pen
11Club keyring
Your journey with us

From first hello
to proud Lion.

01

Make an enquiry

Tell us about your child, their football experience and whether full or training-only membership may suit them.

02

Enjoy an introductory session

A first session lets the child, family and coaches meet without pressure or obligation.

03

Help us understand your child

Our questionnaire and consent process covers confidence, motivation, medical needs and the support that helps them thrive.

04

Confirm the right membership

We agree the most suitable pathway with wellbeing, readiness and available team places in mind.

05

Welcome to the Pride

Membership begins, the joining package is prepared and we start building positive football memories together.

Member information

Training information.

For information on training dates and times for your child, please contact the club.
Parent information

Frequently asked questions.

01 · How much does membership cost?

Full membership is £35 per month, normally paid on the first of each month. Any different arrangement or training-only fee will be explained before membership begins.

02 · Can my child try a session first?

Yes. A first introductory session is available before a family commits, subject to suitable space and the child’s age group.

03 · What should my child bring?

Suitable footwear, shin pads, a drink and weather-appropriate clothing.

04 · What is training-only membership?

Weekly coaching and belonging without the expectation of playing organised league matches, designed for children who need time and encouragement to build confidence.

05 · How is matchday game time managed?

We keep the squad deliberately manageable and make child-centred decisions. Development, welfare, effort and the needs of the team matter more than short-term results.

06 · What happens during illness or injury?

Please tell the club as soon as possible. Membership may be reviewed or temporarily suspended by agreement where illness or injury prevents participation.

07 · When will joining kit arrive?

The joining package is prepared after membership is confirmed. Delivery timings can vary and the club will keep families updated.

08 · How do I raise a concern?

Football questions can go to the coaching team or Secretary. Safeguarding or welfare concerns should go directly to the Club Welfare Officer.

Our future

One badge.
One growing football family.

Our Under-8s are the foundation of Lilly Street Lions FC — but our ambition is to build something that lasts. We want to create clear opportunities from a child’s first experience of football through to the adult game, growing responsibly without losing the values the club was built on.

CURRENTLY BUILDING · REGISTER YOUR INTEREST
01Recruiting now

Adult Men’s 6-a-side

We are currently looking to recruit players for an adult men’s 6-a-side team, with the aim of entering a local 6-a-side league. We want to build a committed group who enjoy their football, represent the club positively and become part of the wider Pride.

Register player interest ↗
02Future plan

Men’s 11-a-side

Our longer-term ambition includes a senior men’s 11-a-side team carrying the Lilly Street Lions identity into adult football. We would like to hear from prospective players, coaches, managers and volunteers who could help us build it properly.

Help build the men’s team ↗
03Future plan

Women’s 11-a-side

We want women’s football to be a meaningful part of the club’s future, with a senior women’s team that shares the same standards, community identity and ambition. Expressions of interest from players, coaches and volunteers are welcomed now.

Register women’s team interest ↗
04Development pathway

Under-6 Development Team

We want to create a fun, welcoming first step into football for younger children — focused on movement, confidence, ball mastery, friendships and enjoyment rather than results. This will help build the next generation of Lions.

Ask about Under-6 development ↗
Help us build the next chapter

Players. Coaches. Volunteers. Partners.

Growing a club takes good people. Whether you want to play, coach, manage, volunteer, sponsor a future team or help us create a new pathway, we want to hear from you. The ambition is clear: build a sustainable community club with opportunities for children and adults under one badge.

From the Pride

Latest club news.

Under-8s · Pre-season complete

A brilliant pre-season — now the real journey begins.

Our Under-8s have completed pre-season after a really positive run of sessions and friendlies. The squad is starting to gel, the boys are coming together and we are seeing the foundations of the team we want to become. We now move into our first game of the season on 5 September. Keep an eye on our social media as the season progresses for updates from the Pride.

Community · Trafford Lowe

A proud moment for the club at the Trafford Lowe awards presentation.

Chairman & Founder Dan, Treasurer Shannon and Assistant Manager Scott attended the awards presentation on behalf of the team as Lilly Street Lions FC received its community award. We are incredibly grateful to Trafford Lowe for their support and for helping us create positive experiences and memories for the boys.

Lilly Street Lions FC representatives at the Trafford Lowe awards presentation
Community award

Grateful for the support behind the Pride.

On 17 September 2026, Chairman & Founder Dan, Treasurer Shannon and Assistant Manager Scott attended the Trafford Lowe awards presentation on behalf of the team.

The club is extremely grateful to Trafford Lowe for the support shown to Lilly Street Lions FC. Their community award will help us create positive experiences away from the pitch, including our planned Christmas celebration. We have already begun looking at Christmas party venues for the boys and look forward to making it another special memory for the Pride.

More than matchdays

Children only get
one childhood.

We want every Lion to remember the friendships, laughter, celebrations, challenges overcome and the feeling of belonging to something special.

01

Christmas parties

Festive celebrations that bring players, families, coaches and volunteers together away from the pitch.

02

Activity days

Team-building activities and shared experiences that strengthen friendships and confidence.

03

Every birthday matters

Each player receives club recognition, a card signed by the team and a gift from the club.

04

Lion of the Month

A monthly certificate recognises sustained effort, learning, character and living the values of the Pride.

Behind the badge

The people
supporting the Pride.

The team on the pitch

Meet our Under-8s coaches.

Every decision is made in the best interests of the children.

Dan Waites, Manager
Manager

Dan Waites

Dan created the club to give local children a safe, positive place to develop at their own pace, measuring success by children leaving with a smile and wanting to return.

Scott Maxted, Assistant Manager
Assistant Manager

Scott Maxted

Scott brings experience of developing teams, building trust and helping different personalities work towards one goal.

Jordan Maxwell, Coach
Coach

Jordan Maxwell

Jordan focuses on turning weaknesses into strengths and helping every player improve through guidance, commitment and positive encouragement.

Recognised standards

Derbyshire FA affiliated.
England Football Accredited.

We are proud to be affiliated with Derbyshire FA and recognised as an England Football Accredited 1 Star Club.

01

Safeguarding

Appropriate welfare leadership, learning and checks for those working in youth football.

02

Qualified coaching

Required coaching, first-aid and safeguarding learning.

03

Good governance

Clear officials, policies, financial oversight and annual affiliation.

04

Positive environment

A welcoming, inclusive and respectful experience that puts player welfare first.

Official kit supplier

Made for the Pride.
Supplied by Stallionz.

Stallionz is our official kit supplier and the home of our club shop, offering clothing for players and parents.

Visit Stallionz ↗
Kit launch

Our colours. Our identity.

Our home, away, goalkeeper and training kits carry the badge, values and partners that make the club possible.

GK KIT

Goalkeeper kit

HOME KIT

Red & black home kit

AWAY KIT

Blue Octopus Energy away kit

TRAINING TOP

Black training top

Backing the Lions

Our proud partners.

Local organisations helping grassroots football thrive. Please support the businesses that support our children whenever you can.

RZ Cars logo
Founding Partner

RZ Cars

Quality used cars in Ripley, with part exchange, vehicle buying and warranty support.

Sticky Pebbles logo
Front of Shirt Sponsor

Sticky Pebbles

Specialists in modern resin-bound driveways and attractive outdoor surfaces.

Taylor’s Corn, Gardening & Pet Stores logo
Pride Supporter

Taylor’s Corn, Gardening & Pet Stores

A family-run local supplier of pet and animal feed, bird seed, gardening products and more.

Lilly Street 3D Printing logo
Community Partner

Lilly Street 3D Printing

Personalised 3D-printed gifts, keyrings, home accessories, business products and football items.

Swanwick Service Station logo
Rear of Training Top Sponsor

Swanwick Service Station

A local fuel station and convenience store serving the Swanwick and Alfreton community.

The Avenue Estate Agents logo
Community Partner

The Avenue Estate Agents

Concierge-style estate agency support for buying and selling homes.

BOA Motors logo
Sleeve Sponsor

BOA Motors

A local motor business supporting vehicle maintenance and repair.

CKB Block Management logo
Training Equipment Partner

CKB Block Management

Responsive block and estate management with practical property support.

Ram It In Waste Services logo
Sleeve Sponsor

Ram It In Waste Services

Waste removal and clearances for household, garden, building and DIY waste.

Trafford Lowe Community Fund logo
Community Fund Supporter

Trafford Lowe Community Fund

Supporting local community projects and organisations across the Alfreton area.

Become a partner ↗
✓ Safeguarding first

Every child. Safe, valued and heard.

Safeguarding sits at the heart of Lilly Street Lions FC. Our Welfare Officer, coaches and officials are committed to maintaining a safe, inclusive and positive environment for every child.

Join the Pride

Ready to start
your football journey?

We carefully manage our squad to protect every child’s game time and development.

Make an enquiry ↗
Age group

Under 8 · Year 3

League

NDYFL

Member information

Training details shared privately

Registered families receive current arrangements directly from the club.