Team LJF

18/08/2026

I know this news is already out but I thought it made sense to still do a post myself.

I've decided to resign from my role as U18s Manager at Corby Town FC

Ultimately, the timing just wasn't right for me, so I've stepped away from the role and put more focus into building something of my own through Team LJF.

I’m still very much going to be a part of the local football community, continuing to build relationships, work with people across the local game and hopefully create some new ones along the way.

I’d like to wish everyone at nothing but the best for the future, and especially the U18s lads who I’ve had the pleasure of working with.

Thank you and all the best. ⚽

Lewis Jackson | Coach - Mentor

17/08/2026

TEAM LJF

Youth → Senior Player Development Programme

SPECIALISTS IN SENIOR FOOTBALL PREPARATION

Team LJF is a selective player development programme for ambitious footballers aged approximately 15–19, designed specifically to help bridge the gap between youth football and senior football.

The aim is simple:

PREPARE → DEVELOP → TRANSITION → PROGRESS

We prepare players for the demands of their next footballing environment — whether that is non-league/semi-professional football, football & education, professional academy football, academy scholarship decisions, USA college football or another appropriate pathway.

⚽ WHAT WE DEVELOP
Team LJF develops the complete player across five key areas:

⭐ Technical – ball mastery, passing, receiving, finishing, 1v1s, carrying and ex*****on under pressure.

⭐ Tactical – decision-making, positional understanding, movement, space, transitions, roles and responsibilities.

⭐ Physical – speed, movement, conditioning, physical preparation and the ability to compete.

⭐ Mental – confidence, resilience, accountability, composure, concentration and responding positively to mistakes and setbacks.

⭐ Social – communication, teamwork, professionalism, respect and adapting to different football environments.

But above all, Team LJF is about senior football preparation.

We help players understand what the next level demands and develop the qualities required to perform within it.

👤 WHO IS IT FOR?
Team LJF is aimed at players approximately 15–19 years old, including:

• Year 11 players preparing for their next step
• U18/U19 players preparing for senior football
• Ambitious grassroots players
• Academy players, including those approaching scholarship decisions
• Released academy players looking to continue their development
• Players considering football & education pathways
• Players interested in exploring USA college football opportunities

Players don't need to be perfect.

They do need to have something to develop, a willingness to learn and the potential to benefit from the Team LJF environment.

Team LJF is selective and players are assessed across the five development pillars.

🏃 THE PROGRAMME
Team LJF operates as a full-season development programme from August to April, with the season divided into three 12-week development blocks:

August–October
November–January
February–April

Sessions are 90 minutes and follow a structured, repeatable curriculum built around four-week development themes.

The curriculum is designed to develop players progressively throughout the season and can be refined and improved season after season.

🏆 LJF REPRESENTATIVE DEVELOPMENT XI
Competitive development is a major part of the programme.

Players have the opportunity to represent the LJF Representative Development XI in approximately two development fixtures per month.

Up to 16 players are selected for each fixture based on:
Player availability
Position
Opposition
Physical and tactical suitability
Current development needs
Whether the fixture is the right environment for that individual player

Not every player will play every fixture.

The philosophy is:

The right player. The right environment. The right time.

The aim is to give players appropriate opportunities to compete, perform, build confidence and experience senior-style football.

🤝 YOUR CLUB STILL MATTERS
A player can and should remain with their existing club/team.

Team LJF is designed to work alongside existing football environments rather than replace them.

Players can continue representing their grassroots club, academy, youth team, senior team, college or football & education programme while using Team LJF as an additional development environment.

Where appropriate, Team LJF can also help identify and signpost opportunities that may support a player's progression.

🔗 PATHWAYS & PARTNERSHIPS
Team LJF aims to build strong relationships with:

Local and regional senior clubs
Professional clubs
Grassroots clubs
Football & education providers
Colleges and universities
USA college football and scholarship organisations
Other player pathway organisations

The long-term vision is to create a genuine network of opportunities around the player.

These are opportunities, not guarantees.

💷 MEMBERSHIP

TEAM LJF DEVELOPMENT — £49/month
• 1 × 90-minute development session per week
• 2 × Representative Development XI fixtures per month
• Full Team LJF curriculum
• Five-pillar player development
• Coaching and observational feedback
• Pathway opportunities

TEAM LJF DEVELOPMENT PLUS — £60/month
• 2 × 90-minute development sessions per week
• 2 × Representative Development XI fixtures per month
• Full Team LJF curriculum
• Five-pillar player development
• Additional development exposure
• Coaching and observational feedback
• Pathway opportunities

Full-season programme | Minimum 12-week commitment

Players are encouraged to commit to the full August–April season to maximise their development and opportunities.

Full-season payment options are available, including a small discount for paying the complete season upfront.

TEAM LJF

Youth → Senior Player Development

SPECIALISTS IN SENIOR FOOTBALL PREPARATION

Technical | Tactical | Physical | Mental | Social

PREPARE → DEVELOP → TRANSITION → PROGRESS

Developing the player. Preparing for the next level. Creating the pathway.

14/07/2026

I just wanted to pop a post out to say how happy I am with the development of the Corby Town FC Academy U18s squad.

Please Share this post, the more eyes the better 👍🏻

The progress we've made in a relatively short space of time has been really pleasing. More importantly, I'm proud of the standards the players are setting and how well they're adapting to the expectations I've put in place. Every training session, the attitude, professionalism, commitment and willingness to learn continues to improve, and together we're creating an environment that feels like a genuine academy programme.

We've really managed to get off to a flyer with the U18s in terms of our coaching, training standards and overall environment. The JPL Academy teams have now returned to training too, and while there are still some basics and operational pieces to put in place across the wider Academy, they'll come over the next few weeks. It's important that we build this properly rather than rush it.

There's still a long way to go. We haven't reached the standards I ultimately want for this group or the Academy as a whole, but that's exactly why taking our time and rebuilding correctly is the right approach. It's about establishing the right culture, creating a clear football identity, putting consistent coaching standards in place and providing a genuine player development pathway that players can trust.

One of the biggest priorities has been creating that pathway, and from what the players are telling me, it's already a huge improvement. The vision is clear - our JPL Academy teams feeding into the U18s, and from there giving players the opportunity to progress into the First Team.

Despite all the speculation surrounding the club and the uncertainty that naturally comes with periods of change, one thing I've found since arriving is that the people here genuinely care. Every coach, director, volunteer and member of the ground staff I've spoken to wants the same thing - to rebuild Corby Town FC into a club everyone can be proud of again. That gives me real confidence in what we're building together.

I'm incredibly proud that our U18s are helping to lead that reset. We're setting the standards, building the identity and showing what I believe the Academy should look and feel like moving forward. The players have completely bought into it, and hearing how positively they're talking about the environment tells me we're moving in the right direction.

I want every player to know that opportunities will absolutely be there. If you perform consistently, show the right attitude, commit to working hard and earn your opportunity, there will be a pathway available for you.

We're also looking for local businesses and individuals who would like to support the U18s through player and team sponsorship opportunities. If you'd like to be part of what we're building while promoting your business within the local community, I'd love to hear from you.

Finally, I'd like to ask for your support.

Our first competitive home game is;

The FA Youth Cup on Monday 31st August,

And I'd love to see as many people there as possible getting behind these lads.

I was told around 50-60 supporters attended games last season. This year, I'd love to see us averaging 150 supporters at home games.

That support means more than people realise. It's not just about creating an atmosphere on the night - it's part of the players' development. Learning to perform in front of a crowd, dealing with expectation and embracing that matchday environment will better prepare them for the step into First Team football when those opportunities come.

So let's get behind these young players from day one and help create something special together.

Thank you to all the players, coaches, parents, volunteers and everyone around the club who continues to support what we're building.

This is only the beginning, and I'm genuinely excited about the journey ahead.

⚪⚫

Lewis Jackson Coach - Mentor
U18s Academy Manager | Corby Town FC

28/06/2026

⚽️ Support Local Football. Support Local Talent. Support the Future. ⚽️

I'm passionate about creating opportunities for young people to develop both on and off the pitch.

I'm currently trying to build a professional environment for the brand new Corby Town FC U18s Academy Squad, giving talented local players a genuine pathway to progress into senior football and represent Corby Town FC's First Team.

To help make that happen, we're launching a Spot the Ball Fundraiser, and we'd love your support.

Every ticket purchased helps us invest directly back into the U18s squad by providing:

✅ Quality training equipment
✅ Match balls
✅ Bibs, mini goals and agility equipment
✅ First aid and player welfare equipment
✅ Squad water bottles
✅ Match day nutrition and recovery supplies
✅ A professional environment where local players can thrive
✅ Future playing kit and other resources that benefit the team

Every penny raised goes directly back into the U18s squad. Nothing is taken away from the project—it's all about giving these young players the best possible chance to succeed.

Your support isn't just buying a ticket; it's investing in local young people, supporting grassroots and non-league football, and helping create more opportunities for talented lads from Corby and the surrounding area to wear the Corby Town badge with pride, and...

🌟 GET THEM ONE STEP CLOSER TO PLAYING IN THE FIRST TEAM 🌟

Who knows? The next local non-league star could be one of the players you're supporting today.

If you'd like to get involved, simply click the link below to enter the Spot the Ball challenge. Even if you don't enter, a like, comment and share would be hugely appreciated and could help us reach more people.

Thank you for supporting local football and the next generation. 🖤🤍⚽

https://fundraising.spond.com/fundraising/ygHqv5UAUA

🌟⚽ Support the future of Corby Town FC ⚽🌟 All funds raised will Support the U18s Academy Players.

24/06/2026

⚽ WANTED: A Couple of Good People for Corby Town FC U18s Academy ⚽

Do you love football, enjoy a good laugh, and fancy becoming part of a great group of people?

Corby Town FC U18s Academy are looking for a Kit Manager and Matchday Assistant to join us for the upcoming season.

This could suit one person or even two friends who want an excuse to get together a couple of evenings each week, support their local club, and play a small but important role in helping develop the next generation of players.

Our home games are usually Monday evenings under the lights at Steel Park, with away fixtures mostly taking place on Thursday evenings.

The role involves helping us prepare for matchdays, getting the changing room and equipment ready before the players arrive, assisting with music and matchday setup, and becoming part of the team environment.

You don't need previous experience. What matters most is reliability, a positive attitude, and enjoying being around football and young people who are working hard to improve themselves.

You'll be welcomed as part of the academy team, involved in the matchday experience, and you'll have the opportunity to build relationships with players, coaches, club volunteers and supporters.

There may also be opportunities in the future for anyone interested in progressing into coaching as the academy continues to grow.

If you're a Corby Town supporter, a former player, recently retired, looking to give something back to the community, or simply someone who loves grassroots football and good company, we'd love to hear from you.

Drop me a message through the Team LJF page for a chat.

⚽ Up The Steelmen ⚽

(P.S. If you know someone who'd be perfect for this, please tag them or share this post!)

14/06/2026

A fantastic first trial day. A big move in the right direction while I look to reshape the 26/27 Corby Town FC U18s squad.

I was really impressed by the quality, attitude, effort and commitment shown by every player who attended. The talent on display was good. What stood out most was the positivity, work ethic and willingness to learn throughout the session.

Every player should be proud of the way they approached the day and the standard they set.

I am excited about the season ahead and I'm looking forward to building something special.

A big thank you to everyone who attended and supported the day. ⚽

08/06/2026

A Post From powerpathmentoring

With A Question To Be Answered.

Calling All Followers In Education, Coaching, Anything Pastoral & Parents.

Here's a question for anyone reading.

❓ How do you replicate great mentoring when you're not in the room?

It's a question I'm currently wrestling with as I develop Power Path Mentoring.

Most of my experience has been face-to-face.

In football coaching.

Pastoral leadership in schools.

Behaviour management.

Safeguarding.

Youth development.

And one thing I've consistently found is that development happens through conversations, relationships and trust.

Not forms.

Not reports.

Not tick boxes.

The challenge is finding a way to deliver that same personalised support remotely without losing what makes it effective.

Because development isn't always about uncovering some deep hidden reason behind behaviour.

Sometimes it's about helping a young person recognise a pattern, understand the consequences and learn a better response.

I've worked with students who could read a room better than most adults.

They knew exactly which buttons to press.

Exactly how to get a reaction.

Exactly how to influence an outcome.

Sometimes the goal was simple: get removed from a lesson they didn't want to be in and gain access to something they did want to do instead.

When you step back and look at it objectively, that's actually a sophisticated skill set.

Observation.

Communication.

Influence.

Strategy.

Adaptability.

The issue isn't the skill.

It's the direction it's being used in.

The same young person who can manipulate a situation to avoid a lesson today could become an effective leader, coach, salesperson, business owner or manager tomorrow.

My role has never been to change who they are.

It's to help them recognise the strengths they already have, understand the consequences of how they're using them, and develop the mindset and behaviours that move them closer to their goals rather than further away.

That's the thinking behind a mentoring approach I'm currently developing through Power Path Mentoring.

Taking the personalised conversations, coaching and development work that happens face-to-face and finding a way to make it accessible beyond the room.

Still lots to refine.

But it's an exciting challenge.



Lewis Jackson | Coach • Mentor

25/05/2026

Really looking forward to the new challenge of stepping into the role of U18s Manager at Corby Town FC this season.

Even at this early stage, I’m already enjoying the conversations with other managers, the support from everyone around the club, and the process of starting to build a squad for the season ahead. There’s a really positive environment within the club now, and it’s exciting to be a part of that.

One thing I’ve always believed through both and powerpathmentoring is that leadership and mentoring should never feel “finished”. No matter how experienced or confident you become in any area, there’s always something to learn, refine and improve if you stay open to it and stay honest.

That’s one of the things I’m looking forward to most in this role, the opportunity to keep developing myself, working with players, learning from different people and experiences, and using all of that to continue growing as a , and

Exciting times ahead. ⚽

24/05/2026

⚽ Sponsorship Opportunities | Corby Town FC U18s ⚽

As we prepare for the upcoming season in the Northants Senior Youth League, we are looking to build an environment that gives our young players the closest possible experience to senior football.

Representing Corby Town FC at U18 level is more than just youth football. These players will compete in a respected midweek floodlit league played across established non-league stadiums, often in front of paying crowds and strong local support.

For many, this is the final stage before first-team football.

Our aim is to create a professional environment that reflects the ambition of both the players and the football club — and we are now looking to partner with local businesses who want to support the next generation of football talent.

We are currently seeking sponsorship support towards:
🔴 Club tracksuits
⚪ Training wear & jumpers
🔴 Travel and matchday kit
⚪ Potential new match kits
🔴 Player equipment and development environment

Unlike senior football, these young players are not paid — they play for the love of the game and the opportunity to progress. Sponsorship helps us invest back into them, raise standards, and create an environment they can be proud to represent.

Why get involved?

✅ Support local youth development
✅ Promote your business through one of the region’s biggest non-league football clubs
✅ Exposure across Corby Town FC social media platforms and matchday audiences
✅ Affordable sponsorship opportunities for businesses of different sizes
✅ Be part of an exciting new chapter at a proud community football club

Corby Town FC continues to grow both on and off the pitch, and this is a fantastic time for businesses to get involved with the club and its future players.

If you or your business would like to discuss sponsorship opportunities with the U18s side, please feel free to message me directly.

Your support could genuinely make a difference to the experience and opportunities we provide these players this season.

Cheers,

Lewis Jackson | Coach - Mentor

23/05/2026

Excited to finally announce Corby Town FC U18s Talent ID Session taking place on Saturday 13th June at Steel Park Stadium.

⚽️ U18s Northants Senior Youth League Northants Senior Youth League
🗓 Saturday 13th June
⏰ 10:00am – 11:30am
📍 Steel Park Stadium Pitch

Players should arrive before the start time to confirm registration or register on arrival if they have not already done so.

💥🚨 PLAYERS / PARENTS & GUARDIANS 🚨💥

⭐ Please use the link in this post to register your interest in joining the trial day. ⭐

I’m genuinely looking forward to meeting and working with some of the local talent in the area and starting to build something exciting ahead of the new season.

It’ll also be nice to get the balls back out on the Steel Park pitch again. It’s been a while since I’ve been out there myself, although this time I think I’ll mostly be watching rather than playing 😂

One thing I'm really looking forward to is creating a proper senior matchday environment and experience for the players. Playing at Steel Park every other week will do that. The best ground in the league no doubt. All home fixtures this season will be played on the main stadium pitch at Steel Park, so this Talent ID Session will be the first opportunity for any new potential players to experience what could become their home ground for the season ahead.

The session will be football-based throughout with plenty of opportunities for players to express themselves in game situations.

Looking forward to seeing everyone there 👊⚽️

👇🏻 🚨 SIGN UP LINK 🚨 👇🏻

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