Premier Training has supported the ground-breaking JLz Ballerz initiative since it was first established in 2021.
Using sport as a platform to get young boys and girls in North East Lincolnshire active, the sessions aim to improve teamwork, decision-making skills, confidence and wellbeing.
Based in Immingham, this project has seen more than 200 boys and girls aged 3-6 join its weekly football courses. Dozens have gone on to play for the nearby Immingham Pilgrims Junior Club, and ten new coaches (male and female) have been trained ready to support even more young people in the area.
Today, around 50 children, across four age groups within Immingham Pilgrims, have come through the programme. Over 10% are female – a figure that is steadily climbing.
JLz Ballerz’ Progressive Pathway continues to push talented players to higher levels within a supportive environment tailored to them. One of the proudest milestones this year was Freddie signing for Grimsby Town FC’s Under-9s. He is a young player who spent 2.5 years with Ballerz and is their first consistent participant to reach a professional club’s academy.
Premier Training’s support has also helped JLz Ballerz to freeze costs for parents at the same levels as 2021. In a world where prices continue to climb, Premier and Ballerz collectively refuse to let financial barriers prevent a child from stepping onto a football pitch and enjoy the benefits of sporting activity.
The initiative has big plans for 2026 too. These include:
Creating the First All-Girls Team at Immingham Pilgrims: The success of England’s Lionesses has ignited something powerful across the country, and the impact can be seen at local grassroots level. For Pilgrims to progress to their next FA accreditation tier, a girls’ team is essential but, more importantly, these girls deserve a space and team of their own. This year, JLz Ballerz will begin this process with new sessions designed to build confidence, connections and identity aimed at Reception and Year 1 girls.
Investing in a 3v3 Inflatable Pitch: 3v3 football is the future of early development. Quick decisions, constant touches, excitement, engagement – it’s everything that early-years coaching should be. An inflatable pitch would transform what JLz Ballerz can offer, providing higher intensity, better skill-development, more involvement per child, and a safer, more enclosed space.
JLz Ballerz founder Jonny Leach said: “Premier Training’s belief in our project, and the children we work so hard for, means more than I can truly express. From day one, Premier Training has stood by us, championed us and supported the idea that every child deserves the best start in their football journey – whether that journey lasts one season or becomes their life’s passion.
“Premier Training’s values of nurture, comfort and development are reflected in every session we run. We pride ourselves on mirroring those standards, creating an environment where children feel safe, inspired and confident to grow.”
