OUR STORY
More Than Just a Game: Our Mission for Every Child
Founded in Gravesend with a genuine heart for the community, LJ Sports was created to give local children the opportunity to develop through football in a positive, supportive and inspiring environment. From the very beginning, the vision has been about far more than just improving technical ability on the pitch. LJ Sports believes football can be a powerful tool for personal growth, helping young players build resilience, teamwork, discipline and self-confidence through every training session, every challenge and every achievement.
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Established in April 2025 by Luke Reid and Jack Hynes, LJ Sports has grown quickly through its passion for the game and its commitment to youth development. In just 12 months, the company has built a strong reputation within the local football community, formed a valued partnership with Cliffe Woods Colts Football Club, and expanded across three key venues: Gravesend, Cliffe Woods and All Hallows. With its own football kit and a clear, recognisable identity, LJ Sports continues to create a professional and welcoming setting where children feel motivated to learn and enjoy the game.
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At the heart of LJ Sports is a holistic approach to coaching. The pitch is seen as more than a place to play — it is a space where life skills are developed, friendships are formed, and confidence can flourish. Every session is designed not only to improve footballing ability, but also to encourage character, respect and a strong sense of belonging. LJ Sports is passionate about ensuring that every child, regardless of their starting point or ability level, feels valued, supported and inspired to reach their full potential both on and off the field.
MEET THE TEAM
Our Founders & The Spark Behind LJ Sports
Luke
My journey in football began at the age of seven, when my dad first introduced me to the game and coached me through the fundamentals. Those early experiences gave me a strong foundation and sparked a passion for football that has stayed with me throughout my life.
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Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to play at a high level, including representing Ebbsfleet United’s first team and playing semi-professionally for clubs such as Lordswood, Hollands & Blair, and Rochester United. I’ve also played across Kent, gaining valuable experience and learning important lessons throughout my playing career.
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My passion for coaching comes from a desire to give back to the community that helped shape me. Through LJ Sports, I want to help young players develop not only their footballing ability, but also their confidence, mentality and belief in themselves. My aim is to support and inspire children to enjoy the game, work hard and pursue their goals with confidence.
Jack
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I began coaching football through a genuine passion for the game and a strong desire to help children develop through sport. Having experienced the enjoyment and long-term benefits football can bring, I wanted to create opportunities for young players to experience that for themselves.
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As a coach, my focus is on creating a positive, supportive and enjoyable environment where children can develop their skills, grow in confidence and build a real love for the game. I believe football can play an important role in a child’s development, both on and off the pitch, and I’m proud to be part of helping young players learn, improve and thrive.
Our Values
Big Hearts & Expert Ability
Inclusive Play
Pro Coaching
Growth Beyond
Every child has a place here. We foster a supportive environment where all skill levels are toasted. Your child will feel like a valued teammate from day one.
Our certified mentors bring high-level expertise to each drill. We prioritize joy, precision, and strategic thinking to help your child become a star player.
We focus on more than scoring. Our curriculum develops integrity, grit, and unity. We prepare kids to excel on the grass and in their daily challenges.
Our Ethos
Play, Learn, Shine
PLAY
We create a fun, inclusive and energetic environment where children feel excited to take part. Through engaging sessions and positive encouragement, we inspire a genuine love for football and physical activity.
Learn
Our coaching focuses on developing core football skills, game understanding and teamwork. We support players to improve at their own pace, encouraging curiosity, effort and a growth mindset both on and off the pitch.
Shine
Every child has unique strengths. We celebrate individual progress, build confidence and provide opportunities for players to express themselves, be creative and take pride in their achievements.
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Together, these values help young players grow in skill, character and confidence, ensuring that every session is a chance to play freely, learn something new, and shine brightly.
Why Parents Trust LJ Sports
- Safety & Safeguarding: All coaches are FA Level 1 qualified, enhanced DBS checked, and first-aid certified, ensuring a secure environment for every child.
- Character Over Scorelines: We focus on the 'hidden curriculum' -resilience, leadership, and emotional intelligence, not just football skills.
- Parental Community: You're not just signing up for a class; you're joining a supportive network of families dedicated to youth development in Kent.
Meet Our Coaching Team
Dedicated professionals committed to developing skills and building character on and off the pitch.
Jack
Head Coach
With 10 years of youth coaching experience, Jake focuses on tactical awareness and leadership.
Luke
Lead Developer
Luke specializes in foundation skills and technique, making every session fun for ages 4-6.
Bobby
Assistant Coach
Bobby brings a focus on elite ball control and agility training to our senior youth squads.
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Archie
lead Coach
Archie understands the importance of integrating character-building exercises into football training to help children thrive.
Josh
Lead Coach
Josh creates a high-energy environment where kids master new skills while having the best time. He is dedicated to building every player's self-belief and joy through football.
Josh
lead Coach
Josh excels at developing young players by blending technical drills with exciting, game-based learning that keeps every child smiling. His supportive approach ensures kids gain vital self-assurance and new abilities in every session.
Testimonial
"We have been part of LJ Sports for a year now and couldn’t be happier. We have known Luke for a few years now since he worked at baby ballers and cannot have higher praise. His dedication to his role and his relationship with the children and parents is outstanding. He is a very polite and helpful young man and his love for the sport and the club is evident of how well the club runs.Â
Jack is another stand out coach at the club. His dedicated work with the children is remarkable. He helps them understand new skills and also to develop current skills. He helps the children understand team work and also gives them individual praise. Our son has developed incredibly since starting at LJ Sports and he always looks forward to Saturday morning sessions. A 10/10 for us, thank you guys keep up the good work."
— Alex Leos, Parent of Under-6 Player