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.
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.
2026/27 season
Meet the
young Lions.
Our Under-8s compete in the NDYFL. We begin at Watchorn Recreation Ground before moving to Tibshelf School from 10 September. A small squad, big personalities and one shared goal: improving together.
One team · One pride
Club hub
Everything in one place.
Keep up with the Pride, get involved, support our future or start a conversation with the club.
01 · Dates and schedulesClub calendarTraining, matchdays, venue changes, events and important club dates. ↗02 · Help us growVolunteer & coachSupport the Under-8s or speak to us about launching a new Lilly Street Lions team. ↗03 · Back the PrideSponsorshipPartnership opportunities that help us create lasting opportunities for children. ↗04 · Start hereOnline enquiryMembership, future teams, volunteering, sponsorship or general club matters. ↗
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.
Training and matchdays
Arrive prepared.
Leave smiling.
Watchorn Recreation Ground
Tuesdays, 5:30–6:30pm in Alfreton.
Tibshelf School
Thursdays, 6:00–7:00pm. Venue access and footwear guidance will be shared with families.
NDYFL fixtures
Kick-off, meeting time, venue, parking and kit information will be shared directly before each fixture.
What to bring
Suitable footwear, shin pads, a filled water bottle and weather-appropriate clothing.
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 team today.
A complete club tomorrow.
Our Under-8s are the foundation. We aim to grow carefully and sustainably while protecting the child-first identity of the club.
01
Strengthen our Under-8s
Build a safe, well-run and development-led first team while supporting every player, parent, coach and volunteer.
02
Launch an infant soccer school
Create a fun first introduction to football for younger children and a pathway into future teams.
03
Teams through every age group
Grow responsibly with the children, adding new age groups and trained coaches without losing our values.
04
One complete community club
Develop girls’ and women’s football, a men’s team, community events and lasting local partnerships under one badge.
From the Pride
Latest club news.
Friendly · 21 August
A performance full of football, work rate and togetherness.
Friendly vs Wingerworth JSA Bears.
Club update
New winter hoodies are on their way for the boys.
With thanks to Taylor’s.
Community
Lions selected for a Trafford Lowe community grant.
Supporting our Christmas celebration.
Community grant
Backing moments that bring our Pride together.
A Trafford Lowe Community Fund grant will support our planned Christmas celebration and help create positive memories beyond the pitch.
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.
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.
Assistant Manager
Scott Maxted
Scott brings experience of developing teams, building trust and helping different personalities work towards one goal.
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.
Designed in red, black and gold, our Stallionz kits carry the badge, values and partners that make the club possible.
Backing the Lions
Our proud partners.
Local organisations helping grassroots football thrive. Please support the businesses that support our children whenever you can.
Founding Partner
RZ Cars
Quality used cars in Ripley, with part exchange, vehicle buying and warranty support.
Front of Shirt Sponsor
Sticky Pebbles
Specialists in modern resin-bound driveways and attractive outdoor surfaces.
Pride Supporter
Taylor’s Corn, Gardening & Pet Stores
A family-run local supplier of pet and animal feed, bird seed, gardening products and more.
Community Partner
Lilly Street 3D Printing
Personalised 3D-printed gifts, keyrings, home accessories, business products and football items.
Rear of Training Top Sponsor
Swanwick Service Station
A 24-hour local fuel station and convenience store serving the community.
Community Partner
The Avenue Estate Agents
Concierge-style estate agency support for buying and selling homes.
Sleeve Sponsor
BOA Motors
A local motor business supporting vehicle maintenance and repair.
Training Equipment Partner
CKB Block Management
Responsive block and estate management with practical property support.
Sleeve Sponsor
Ram It In Waste Services
Waste removal and clearances for household, garden, building and DIY waste.
✓ 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 ↗Tuesdays · 5:30–6:30pm
Watchorn Recreation Ground
Thursdays · 6:00–7:00pm
Tibshelf School