Football Squirts kicks off Blyth expansion

A North East football coaching business is growing.

A Blyth-based football programme for toddlers has launched as part of a fast-expanding early-years coaching model designed to build confidence, coordination and a love of the game from a young age.

Football Squirts, founded by lifelong football fans Matt Lawn and Chris Towers, delivers structured sessions for children aged two to six, with a focus on fun, inclusion and early development rather than competition. 

The company has grown rapidly across the region and now operates through a network of licensed territories.

The latest expansion sees a new Blyth territory open at Bede Academy, led by former Newcastle United youth player Lewis Brannen, who joined the organisation earlier this year. 

Lewis, who joined as a territory owner in June 2025, said: “I played for Newcastle from the age of 11, then moved into engineering after I was released. 

“When I met Matt and Chris earlier this year, I knew straight away this was the right move. 

“The chance to run the Blyth territory and help young children fall in love with football was too good to miss.”

Lewis’ appointment strengthens Football Squirts’ presence in south east Northumberland as demand for early-years activities continues to rise.

He added: “When the kids come in, we greet them, get them smiling, and make sure they feel welcome straight away.

“It’s all about fun games, energy, and giving them a great experience. 

“Football ability doesn’t matter – what matters is that every child leaves with a smile on their face.”

The concept was developed after Matt returned from playing football in the United States and identified a gap for high-quality, enjoyment-led sessions for very young children. 

He later teamed up with Chris, who brought coaching experience from university and football charity programmes across the North East.

Since launching its first branch in Ponteland, Football Squirts has expanded into Great Park, Gosforth, Morpeth, Whitley Bay and Blyth. 

The founders have been supported by Morpeth-based business coach Linda Lowther of Advice 4 Business North East, helping to professionalise and scale the model.

Linda added: “As a business advisor, my job is to take the lads’ long-term vision and turn it into something structured, profitable and sustainable. 

“That includes refining their tried-and-tested model and preparing it for new territory owners. 

“The business has grown significantly over the past 14–15 years and bringing in people like Lewis is the natural next step.”

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