Business Details
23 Years
experience
Expert Football Coaching for Young Players in Derby
Established in 2003 by Darren Wassall and Pat Lyons, SoccerstarsUK has dedicated itself to providing boys and girls with unparalleled football development opportunities. Our FA-qualified coaching team, holding enhanced DBS and child protection certifications, delivers over 100 weekly sessions across 70 primary schools, catering to 5,000 children. Through structured programmes like Tiny Tots (ages 2-4), After School Clubs, and FA Charter Standard Holiday Courses, we combine technical skill development with imaginative gameplay, ensuring every child thrives in a safe, enjoyable environment.With 30 part-time coaches undergoing bi-weekly CPD training and quarterly performance assessments, we maintain industry-leading standards. Our partnership with Derby County Academy has produced 35 academy-signed players, while our safeguarding practices receive regular external audits. SportstarsUK, launched in 2017, extends this expertise to multi-sport PE curriculum delivery, enhancing primary school physical education provision.
Services
After School Clubs
Holiday Courses
Skills Centres
Tiny Tots
Advanced Technical Centres
PE Curriculum Coaching
Details
- Year established: 2003
Highlights and features
- 20+ years developing youth football programmes since 2003
- FA-qualified coaches with enhanced child protection certifications
- 75% activity time guaranteed in all coaching sessions
- Established partnerships with 70+ Derbyshire primary schools
- Regular safeguarding audits by external compliance officers
Associations and certifications
- The Football Association (FA)
- DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service)
What people say
Professional and high quality
Children really enjoy sessions
Well trained and well liked
Fantastic coaching
Excellent value for money
Services
After School Clubs
Structured football sessions for primary school children delivered at participating schools. Our FA-qualified coaches provide technical training combined with imaginative gameplay activities. Sessions cater to mixed-ability groups while maintaining 75% active participation time.
Holiday Courses
Intensive FA Charter Standard accredited programmes during school holidays. Participants develop technical skills through themed tournaments and position-specific training. Courses accommodate 500+ children weekly with age-appropriate coaching methodologies.
Tiny Tots
Developmental football sessions for 2-4 year olds focusing on motor skills and basic ball control. Coaches use age-specific equipment and imaginative play scenarios. Programme serves over 250 toddlers weekly through engaging morning sessions.
Skills Centres
Specialist football academies for grassroots to elite player development. Sessions include technical drills, tactical awareness training, and competitive gameplay. Programme has produced 35 Derby County Academy signings since inception.
PE Curriculum Coaching
Comprehensive physical education provision for primary schools including PPA cover. Qualified coaches deliver multi-sport programmes in tennis, cricket, dance and athletics alongside football. Enhances teacher knowledge while increasing pupil participation rates.
People
Darren Wassall
Co-Founder
Former professional footballer with extensive youth development experience. Co-founded SoccerstarsUK in 2003 to create accessible football coaching opportunities for children of all abilities.
Pat Lyons
Co-Founder
Education specialist with background in school PE curriculum development. Partnered with Darren Wassall to establish SoccerstarsUK's structured coaching framework and safeguarding protocols.
Rory Delap
Parent Ambassador
Former Premier League player and international footballer who endorses SoccerstarsUK's coaching methodology. His sons' positive experiences led to ongoing advocacy for the programme's child development approach.
Questions
What age groups do you cater for?
We provide football coaching for children aged 2-12 through our Tiny Tots programme (ages 2-4) and youth development sessions up to elite level.
Are your coaches qualified?
All coaches hold FA qualifications (Level 1 to UEFA A Licence) with enhanced DBS checks and child protection certifications. Staff undergo quarterly assessments.
How do you ensure child safety?
We maintain safeguarding compliance through regular external audits, staff training every 6 weeks, and formal assessments. All staff complete child protection courses.
Can schools partner with SoccerstarsUK?
Yes, we work with 70+ primary schools delivering PE curriculum coaching, PPA cover, and extracurricular programmes. Contact us for partnership details.
What football skills do children learn?
Our curriculum develops technical skills (ball control, passing), tactical awareness, teamwork, and position-specific techniques through age-appropriate drills and games.
Reviews (4)
Smart Man
Jan 07, 2022
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I believe in people and see you doing things dreams come true believe in self and fly like a butterfly secret is code
Marie Burrows
Sep 24, 2021
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My daughters first time at Soccerstars over the Summer and she loved it. Its really boosted her confidence and the coaches were fantastic. She will definitely be back in October.
Aidan Mansfield
Jul 31, 2021
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Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality,Value
All the staff are very polite and professional. Been a real good experience and cant thank the staff enough.
All the staff are very polite and professional. Been a real good experience and cant thank the staff enough.
Manni Dosanjh
Jul 17, 2021
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Critical:Communication,Professionalism
Poor tuition, had to report issues with staff to their head office. Company also refused to issue a refund for outstanding lessons, I was issued a voucher however my child is no longer eligible for lessons due to his age and they still wont refund my money. Be careful when booking, they wont give you your money back.
Poor tuition, had to report issues with staff to their head office. Company also refused to issue a refund for outstanding lessons, I was issued a voucher however my child is no longer eligible for lessons due to his age and they still wont refund my money. Be careful when booking, they wont give you your money back.
