Crafter’s Companion is supporting the talents of Spennymoor Town FC’s youngest footballers in a new sponsorship deal.

The craft retailer, which is based in Newton Aycliffe, will support the Mini Dribblers for two years. The teams are made up of children aged two to seven and the sponsorship will pay for specialist equipment and contribute towards upskilling the academy’s coaches.

In addition to its first team, Spennymoor Town FC currently has more than 300 children across 28 teams in its academy. The club recently appointed its first head of academy, Andy Lowe, to oversee its ‘one club strategy’ where player development, opportunity and experience are visible at every ability and age.

The club’s youth section was recently awarded a partnership with the National League Trust, which acknowledges the new strategies implemented throughout the last six months.

To maintain the future Spennymoor Town FC has envisioned for its academy and players, the club is privately funded. Every player will wear the same training kit, as they progress through the different teams within the club, and age-specific coaches provide appropriate training at every level.

Spennymoor Town FC prides itself on having experienced and qualified coaches who receive ongoing training. The club recently appointed two female coaches to oversee its first-ever ladies’ team and junior ladies’ team and is currently looking for new players to join the team.

Simon Davies, managing director of Crafter’s Companion, said “We are delighted to support the mini dribblers for the next two years. As a dad with two young boys, I know how crucial it is for them to develop social skills and become team players but it’s just as important to have fun. The Mini Dribbler sessions have a great mix of both.

“It’s fantastic that this sponsorship enables us to support a local institution within our community. Spennymoor Town FC’s academy structure is brilliant because it will help to nurture young talent as the kids get older and, as a parent, you know that the coaching is going to be at a professional standard.”

Andy Lowe, head of academy at Spennymoor Town FC, added: “We really want Spennymoor Town FC to be a hub for local football talent and we want to establish a fun, engaging environment where players can develop social skills and self-awareness, with age-appropriate coaches who will be able to support the players in every capacity. The Mini Dribblers sessions are really exciting because they provide that setting at a time when social interaction is key.”

“It’s great to have the support of local businesses who want their local community and institutions within it to thrive. We want every child to have the best-possible experience with us. That includes a combination of developing social, communication and interactional skills but also encouraging pure enjoyment of both the sport and playing within a team setting. We wouldn’t be able to deliver the training, kits and grounds that we can without their support, so we are truly grateful.”

Spennymoor Town FC is always looking for enthusiastic players to join its club. Email academy@spennymoortownfc.co.uk to enquire about playing for one of its teams.