Little Lions and Little Lionesses are fun, welcoming football sessions for children in Nursery, Reception and Year 1.
The sessions introduce children to football in a positive and age-appropriate environment, helping them develop confidence, coordination, teamwork and basic football skills.
The sessions are part of Chester-le-Street Football Club and are delivered by our friendly football coaches.
The sessions are available for children in:
Children are placed into an appropriate group based on their school year.
Little Lions sessions are open to boys and girls, while Little Lionesses sessions provide a dedicated pathway for girls.
Both programmes follow the same welcoming approach and focus on helping every child enjoy football, make friends and develop their skills.
No. The sessions are suitable for complete beginners as well as children who have already started playing football.
Our coaches adapt activities to suit the children taking part, ensuring everyone can join in and enjoy themselves.
Yes. Your child’s first session is completely free, giving them the chance to meet the coaches, join in and see whether they enjoy the sessions before you commit.
After the free first session, membership costs £20 per month.
Nursery and Reception sessions last approximately 45 minutes.
Year 1 sessions last approximately one hour.
Yes. Every child who joins receives a free Chester-le-Street FC kit.
We will provide further information about available sizes and how the kit is ordered when your child registers.
Children should initially attend in comfortable sports clothing and suitable footwear for the playing surface.
They should also bring a drink with them.
Sessions include fun football games and simple activities designed for young children. These may focus on:
No. At this age, our priority is helping children enjoy football and feel comfortable taking part.
Children are encouraged to try new things, develop at their own pace and celebrate their own progress.
Chester-le-Street FC begins forming teams at Under-7 level, which normally takes place when children enter Year 2.
Our Little Lions and Little Lionesses programmes help prepare children for this next step. Where possible, children will have the opportunity to progress into one of the club’s Under-7 teams.
We aim to create as many opportunities as possible, but places in Under-7 teams depend on factors such as player numbers, available coaches and league requirements.
Being part of Little Lions or Little Lionesses allows children to begin their football journey within the club and helps our coaches prepare groups for the move into teams.
No. There is no obligation to join a team. Children can attend the younger-age sessions simply to have fun, stay active and enjoy playing football.
Yes. Parents and carers are welcome to stay and support their child during the session.
We ask that parents allow the coaches to lead the activities and provide positive encouragement from the side.
That is completely normal, particularly when attending for the first time.
Our coaches will help your child settle in gradually. They will never be pressured to take part in an activity before they feel ready.
Please let us know about anything that may help your child participate comfortably and safely.
We want our sessions to be as welcoming and inclusive as possible, and we will work with parents and carers to understand each child’s individual needs.
Our sessions are delivered within Chester-le-Street FC’s safeguarding framework. Coaches working with children are required to complete the relevant checks and qualifications for their role.
Parents or carers can complete the club’s registration process to request a place.
Once registered, we will confirm the appropriate session and provide the information needed before your child attends.
