Football Fun Factory is helping children develop not just their football skills, but also their confidence, teamwork, and social skills.
The Football Fun Factory, led by head coach, Joe Coward, is committed to making football accessible to all children, regardless of experience or ability.
With concerns over the rising costs of children’s sport participation, he aims to encourage participation without financial pressure with the sessions offering a three-week free trial.
He said: “The ethos of the Football Fun Factory aligns with my own personal values.
“Being able to offer such brilliant opportunities to my local community is something I couldn’t say no to.”
The initiative focuses on more than just football, it’s also great for child development. Each session introduces a ‘word of the week’, highlighting positive behavioural traits such as confidence and teamwork.
Children are encouraged to reflect on these values and demonstrate them during play. This approach has led to noticeable changes in these young participants.
“Some of our tots, who are as young as 18 months, can be very shy when they first attend our sessions,” Mr Coward explained.
“After a few weeks, they really come out of their shells. It’s a great way for young children to develop their confidence and social skills by being around others.”
By offering a three-week free trial, the sessions remove barriers for families who might otherwise struggle to afford sports coaching.
“Our free trial is a great way for families to enjoy at least three weeks of football coaching at no cost. There’s no obligation to continue.”
Sessions are designed to be inclusive for all skill levels, ensuring that every child can have fun.
“We incorporate storytelling games and ensure that each child has their own football to develop at their own pace without pressure,” Mr Coward added.
Reflecting on some of the sessions that have already taken place, Mr Coward says the most rewarding part about running them is seeing the smiles it brings to the children and to parents who can see their child having fun and developing in a safe environment,
The programme has now expanded beyond Sheffield, partnering with holiday parks like Haven and Centre Parcs to provide sessions across the UK, making it more widely accessible.