About Lillington Juniors FC
Welcome to Lillington Juniors FC, where trials are a thing of the past and everyone is welcome to join!
Founded in 2013 by the Cranton family; Ryan, Jodi and Bob, LJFC was born with a simple but powerful goal, to create a place where young players of all abilities could fall in love with the beautiful game in a safe, supportive and exciting environment.
Fast forward to today, and we've grown from several teams to a football force with nearly 30 teams across boys' and girls' leagues, from Under 7s to Under 18s, plus our very own Senior Men's team and Senior Ladies team!
As a proud Nike Partner Club, our players don the swoosh with style, representing the LJFC spirit on and off the pitch. And we’re not just about football, we’re about making a difference! We’ve partnered with HerGameToo, standing strong in our commitment to making football a game for everyone, breaking down barriers and empowering girls and women to shine in this amazing sport!
At LJFC, we're more than just a club... we're a community. Our FA qualified coaches, all DBS-checked and safeguarding pros, are passionate about developing players both on and off the pitch. Whether you're scoring your first goal or perfecting your skills to reach new heights, we're here to help every player unlock their potential.
From fun-filled training sessions to the thrill of match days, LJFC is all about fostering a love for football in a positive and inclusive atmosphere. We're proud to be grassroots and we're even prouder of the teams, coaches and families that make up this ever-growing club. So lace up those boots and come join the LJFC family... you’ll be part of something special.
Our Team
Ryan Cranton
Director, Head Coach & Child Welfare Officer
As one of the co-founders of LJFC in 2013, Ryan has played a key role in helping develop the club into one of the most recognised and respected grassroots football clubs in the local area.
He is also currently the Head of Football Academy at Warwickshire College and, as a UEFA B qualified coach with over 20 years of experience, has coached players from U7s through to senior men’s and women’s football.
He is passionate about player development and creating a positive environment where young players can enjoy and progress within the game.
As a player, Ryan has had experience playing at three professional clubs before playing the majority of his career at semi-professional level following injury.
JODI CRANTON
Director
Another co-founder, Jodi has played a pivotal role in the growth, organisation and ongoing development of the club.
Working tirelessly behind the scenes, Jodi oversees many of the club’s administrative and organisational responsibilities, helping ensure the club runs smoothly both on and off the pitch.
Her dedication, commitment and passion for providing opportunities for young players and families have been instrumental in helping LJFC become one of the most recognised and respected grassroots football clubs in the local area.
ED GUERRA
Head of Football
Ed has been a valued part of the club for more than 10 years and plays a key role in maintaining the values and ethos that make LJFC so special.
As Head of Football, he works closely with all of our team coaches, offering support with everything from administration and player registrations to guidance and day-to-day advice.
With many years of coaching experience himself, Ed understands exactly what it takes to run a grassroots football team and is always on hand to support our coaches, players and families both on and off the pitch.
Zack hewitt-Parsons
Coach Developer
Zack plays an important role within the club as our Coach Developer, supporting coaches and teams with all aspects of coaching and match day preparation.
He works closely with coaches who are looking for additional guidance, helping them plan engaging and age-appropriate training sessions that suit the needs of their team and players.
With a strong understanding of player development and grassroots football, Zack is always available to offer advice, share ideas and provide support on specific team challenges, helping our coaches continue to grow and create the best possible environment for every player.