Sunderland-based football academy business to expand nationally

A football training company in Sunderland is taking steps to expand nationally.

Fast Feet Football Academy will become a franchise business to open up opportunities for passionate coaches who want football to be their career.

Founded seven years ago, Fast Feet’s plan is to build on its firm footing in the North East and help youngsters across the UK boost their footy skills.

The company is current coaching around 300 kids aged three to 16 on 130 skills and techniques.

Fast Feet is owned by Mark Rutter and employs a team of 12.

Mark said: “We want to deliver our brand in areas we can’t at the moment. We’re looking for experienced, passionate coaches who may have a footballing background or may be coaches already.

“We’ve seen the difference Fast Feet has had on the confidence, ability and future career prospects of youngsters taking part in our programmes. Because we welcome all abilities, from beginners to advanced, and all age groups from pre-school to 16-year olds, we’re offering a unique package of skills and coaching at Fast Feet.”

He continued: “We’ll guide each franchisee through our programmes and help them with setting up the business – I did it myself and I’m aware of the challenges in starting a business.

“It’s good that we can pass on our own experience to other coaches who are equally enthusiastic about football training.”

Mark has hired a franchise director and expects the firm’s Sunderland headcount to continue rising as the Fast Feet franchise network grows.

The company is headquartered at the Sunderland City Council-owned Evolve Business Centre in Houghton-le-Spring.

Cllr Michael Mordey, the authority’s Deputy Leader, commented: “It’s fantastic to see not only the success of Fast Feet but also the success of its students.

“In nurturing their talents, Fast Feet has built a strong reputation which will make a real difference to the skills and ambitions of many more young people across the country through its franchises.”

He continued: “Thriving businesses such as Fast Feet which grow in Sunderland then branch out are a great testimony to the city as a base for successful investment. I hope Fast Feet’s future franchisees get the same great results from the outset.”