Little Strikers & Junior Strikers Return to Newton Aycliffe on 7th September 2027

Football, Fun and Development Every Monday with MGFA

The summer holidays might be a chance to enjoy a break from the normal routine, but September also brings something to look forward to as our Little Strikers and Junior Strikers football sessions return to Newton Aycliffe.

Every Monday evening, MGFA gives young players the opportunity to get on the ball, learn new skills, stay active and, most importantly, enjoy playing football.

For some, it might be their very first experience of organised football coaching. Others may already play regularly and simply want another opportunity to practise, develop and spend more time with a football at their feet.

Whatever their experience or ability, the emphasis at MGFA is on creating an environment where players can enjoy themselves while learning.

A Great Place to Start Playing Football

Starting football doesn't need to feel serious or intimidating.

At Little Strikers, we want young players to associate football with enjoyment from the beginning. Sessions introduce them to the ball, movement, coordination and some of the basic skills of the game through activities designed to keep them involved and having fun.

There will be plenty of touches of the ball, opportunities to try things and, inevitably, plenty of goals and celebrations along the way!

Just as importantly, football provides an opportunity to interact with others, listen, communicate, take turns and become part of a group.

Not everyone who comes through the door will have the same level of confidence. Some will immediately want the football at their feet, while others may need a little time to settle in. That's absolutely fine.

Development looks different for every player.

Taking the Next Steps with Junior Strikers

As players become more comfortable with the game, Junior Strikers provides opportunities to continue developing their football.

Passing, receiving, dribbling, shooting, movement and awareness can all be introduced and developed through enjoyable coaching activities and games.

But we don't want young players worrying about getting everything right.

Football involves trying things.

A pass won't always reach its target. A shot might go wide. A player might lose possession when attempting a new skill.

That's part of learning.

Our coaches encourage players to keep trying, make decisions and become increasingly comfortable with the ball. Over time, those repeated experiences can help improve technique, understanding and confidence.

Learning Through Playing

One of the best ways to learn football is to play football.

That's why our sessions aren't simply about standing in lines waiting for a turn.

We want players involved.

Small-sided games, challenges and football activities can create situations where players have to look around, move into space, communicate, make decisions and react to what's happening around them.

As players develop, the coaching can develop with them.

A simple passing exercise can eventually become about first touch, movement, scanning and decision-making. A dribbling activity can introduce changes of direction, protecting the ball and recognising when there is space to attack.

The fundamentals remain important, but players gradually begin to understand more about the game around them.

Qualified Coaching in a Positive Environment

All MGFA Little Strikers sessions are delivered by qualified professional coaches, with the aim of providing a fun and sociable environment in which young players can develop both football and social skills.

We believe good coaching at this age isn't about putting pressure on players.

It's about encouraging them.

It's about helping them understand something they didn't understand before, celebrating improvement and creating an environment where they want to come back and play again the following week.

Some players may eventually want to take their football further. Others may simply love coming along every Monday and playing the game.

Both are equally welcome.

Football Coaching in Newton Aycliffe

Little Strikers and Junior Strikers will return to Newton Aycliffe in September 2027, with our regular Monday evening sessions providing a weekly opportunity to play, learn and enjoy football with MGFA.

If your young player already loves football, we'd love to help them develop that enthusiasm.

And if they've never been to a football coaching session before?

That's fine too.

Sometimes all it takes is that first session, a football and a little encouragement to discover a love for the game.

Little Strikers & Junior Strikers return September 2027.

Keep an eye on the MGFA website and social media pages for confirmed session dates, times and information about joining us in Newton Aycliffe.

We can't wait to get back on the pitch.