The Football Development Programme – Football, Numeracy and Healthy Eating in Lancashire

A person kneels on grass surrounded by two bags of soccer balls and twelve soccer balls laid out in front.

A classroom with children sitting at tables working on worksheets. Two adults in blue tracksuits assist the students. Multiple educational posters are displayed on a whiteboard in the background.

A large group of children in colorful sports vests pose with soccer balls in front of a goal on a grassy field.

Teacher assisting students in a classroom setting. Children are seated at desks with worksheets, and educational posters are displayed on the walls.

The Football Development Programme © was established in 2005. The company consists of Ex. Academy / Youth Team / Reserve Team Players from various Professional Clubs.

Football Development staff also work at Burnley, Manchester City and Blackburn Rovers Academies, working with players from age 6 to age 18.

Our aim is to help develop and improve each child technically and improve children’s confidence with a football. Our philosophy is to teach technique, skill and ability on the ball.

We encourage children to keep the ball on the floor, pass and move quickly, always be available for the ball and never be afraid to make a mistake.

By delivering Numeracy , Healthy Eating , In-School Professional Football Coaching and Half Term / Summer Football Courses in Primary Schools, we aim to use our knowledge and experience to help each child progress in their football, as well as their education and make them fully aware of how important a good education is.

What do we offer?

The Numeracy through Football Initiative © is available to children in Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2. The children work individually through a selection of tasks including column addition, number bonds, doubles and problem solving questions. At the end of each session, children take part in a fun and interactive game. Worksheets and 16 page books are provided for each child.

The Healthy Eating through Football Initiative © is available to children in Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2. The children work individually through a selection of tasks including a footballers daily food intake and a nutrition table looking at calories, carbohydrates, proteins and fats. At the end of each session, children take part in a fun and interactive games. Worksheets and 16 page books are provided for each child.

In-School Professional Football Coaching is available to children in Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2. All children will have the opportunity to work with specialist coaches who also work at Blackburn Rovers Academy. Children take part in various sessions / drills that incorporate many different skills and turns that improve their technical ability as well as their confidence with a football. Excellent for PPA cover and use of PE Sports Premium Funding.

Half Term / Summer Football Courses is available to children from age 5 to age 12. Courses take place during every School holiday and take place from 9:00am to 3:00pm daily. Children have the opportunity to spend a full week working with specialist coaches who also work at Burnley F.C and Blackburn Rovers Academies. Children take part in various sessions / drills that incorporate many different skills and turns that improve their technical ability as well as their confidence with a football.

Skills Video by Matt Walsh

Please click here for more information.

All courses are open to both boys and girls aged from 5 – 12 years old.

Sibling discounts are available for full week bookings

Testimonials

A person with short hair and a beard is looking directly at the camera, against a plain background.

Andrew Lonergan

Everton Goalkeeper & former Liverpool, Leeds, Bolton, Preston, Wolves and England U’21

Having known Matty since the age of 10, I can honestly say he is one of the most gifted, technical footballers I’ve ever seen. A great lad, who I’m sure if he can teach anyone only half of what he knows about the game, they will be on to a winner! I’m sure there are lots of football courses out there, but I’m certain no-one will offer the level of coaching as these guys.

A man with short brown hair, smiling, looking directly at the camera against a plain background.

Andrew Procter

Current First Team Physiotherapist at Blackburn Rovers F.C & former Accrington Stanley F.C, Preston North End & Bury F.C midfielder

I’ve known Matt for Many Years and think he was ‘ Very Unlucky ’ not to make a Career in the Game. I think it is Fantastic that he had Developed ‘ The Football Development Programme ’ as his ‘ Enthusiasm ’ and ‘ Devotion ’ to Football can really help Teach ‘ Healthy Eating ’ & ‘ Numeracy ’ in the School Environment

A person with short dark hair and a slight smile is wearing a suit. The background is plain.

Gareth Whalley

Current Manchester City F.C Loan Coach & former Crewe Alexandra, Bradford City and Wigan Athletic Player.

I Worked Closely with Matt for 3 Weeks recently whilst undertaking our UEFA B Licence and found his ‘Knowledge of the Game’, ‘Enthusiasm’ and ‘Manner’ all Excellent. I Would Highly Recommend Working with him.

Smiling person with short hair, wearing a shirt with a blue collar, facing the camera. Plain background.

Chris Porter

Crewe Alexandra F.C. Captain & Striker Former Bury, Oldham, Motherwell, Derby & Sheff Utd.

I played with Matty at Preston North End for 5 Years and he was by far the most skillful player in our age group every year. It is great to see that Matty is now willing to pass on his skills and knowledge to up and coming footballers. I would be happy for my children to be coached by Matty and therefore have no hesitation in recommending The Football Development Programme.

Smiling person with short, light brown hair wearing a red and white shirt.

Joel Byrom

Former Preston North End F.C, Stevenage F.C & England ‘C’ Midfielder

I’ve Known Matt since we where younger. We used to play together and I learnt quite a bit from him as he’s a little older than me and has helped my Development into playing Professionally. He’s a very good Coach and was always wanting to help others while he was Playing and he’s obviously taken that into his Coaching.

Person with short dreadlocks wearing a red and orange outfit, facing forward.

Isaac Mabaya

Current Liverpool F.C and England U18 Midfielder

From the age of around 8 until 12 I attended The Football Development Programme Courses throughout the duration of Primary School and first year of High School and found it extremely beneficial to my skills both on and off the field. The elite level coaching paired with the fun sessions created an environment where players of all abilities had a chance to develop as players and people. During the courses, high level practices aided my technical development, allowing me to improve as a player whilst enjoying the chance to play with my friends. I found the opportunity to interact and play with new people extremely enjoyable and never passed up on the opportunity during the Half Terms. Matt and the rest of the coaching staff’s commitment and experience definitely made the courses stand out for me which is why I would certainly recommend it for young boys and girls of all ages and ability levels