Little Nippers: A Football Coaching Program Making a Difference in Sheffield
Meet Rik, the founder of Little Nippers, a football coaching program based in Sheffield with a mission to make the sport accessible to all children. Established in September 2023, Little Nippers focuses on inclusivity, providing opportunities for children of all abilities to enjoy football, with a special emphasis on those with special educational needs (SEN).
"We don’t discriminate against anyone," Rik explains. “We saw a massive gap in opportunities for children with special educational needs to integrate into mainstream football, and we wanted to bridge that gap. Little Nippers was born from the belief that football should be for everyone, regardless of their abilities or background."
An Inclusive Football Program
Little Nippers is more than just a football club; it’s a social enterprise that uses the power of football to foster inclusion and growth. From quiet, sensory-friendly sessions to integrated mainstream groups, Rik and his team tailor their approach to ensure every child can participate in a way that suits them best. Some children, who initially needed one-on-one support, have progressed to joining mainstream sessions, showcasing the program's impact.
Rik recalls one particular success story: “We had a child whose teacher told us that the impact of our sessions had been life-changing. The child, who struggled socially and academically, made new friends, attended their first birthday party, and blossomed in ways we hadn’t anticipated. For us, football isn’t just about kicking a ball—it’s a tool for building confidence and social skills.”
The Social Impact of Little Nippers
Little Nippers has grown from humble beginnings to now running six groups and eight one-on-one sessions, supporting around 50-60 children each week. Rik emphasizes that the program is about much more than football. “It’s about healthy living—getting kids off their computers and into the open. It’s about developing social skills, confidence, and friendships,” he says. The feedback from parents and the smiles on the children’s faces serve as the most rewarding indicators of the program’s success.
Support from Sheffield’s Social Enterprise Network
The growth of Little Nippers hasn’t been without its challenges. Coming from a football and army background, Rik admits that he found the business side of things a bit daunting. However, support from the Sheffield Social Enterprise Network has been invaluable. “I could run football sessions all day long, but I couldn’t have achieved this without the guidance and structure provided by Sheffield’s social network,” Rik explains.
He has also benefited from grants, including a £1,000 award from the Sheffield Social Enterprise Growth Accelerator (SEGA) program, which has helped him improve the quality of sessions by ensuring he has the right staff ratios for the kids.
Looking Ahead: Overcoming Challenges
One of the biggest challenges Rik faces is the unpredictability of the British weather. “Football is an outdoor sport, but come late October, we can’t use outdoor pitches anymore,” he notes. He’s actively seeking indoor or all-weather facilities to continue running sessions throughout the winter. With help from the Sheffield Social Enterprise Network, Rik is optimistic about finding the resources he needs to keep Little Nippers going year-round.
Rik is also expanding his team’s knowledge through a partnership with Consistent Quality Training, where his staff undergo specialized training in working with children who have autism and ADHD. “The training has been fantastic in helping us better support these kids, and it’s also a great learning opportunity for everyone involved, including my own son, who’s become a key part of our Saturday sessions,” Rik shares.
A Lasting Impact
Through Little Nippers, Rik is creating a safe, inclusive environment where children can thrive—both on and off the football pitch. His passion for the program and the difference it’s making in the lives of children and families is evident in everything he does. As Rik puts it, “Football’s not just about playing the game—it’s about helping kids grow, learn, and find joy in being part of something special.”
