Revenues skyrocket 300% at Leeds-based coaching startup Foot-Tech Academy

Sports coaching startup Foot-Tech Academy has revealed plans to create jobs after seeing its revenues skyrocket almost 300%.

The Leeds-based company generated a turnover of £55k in 2018, its third year in business, up from £14k in 2015.

Foot-Tech Academy was set up by coach Luke Towning and primary school teacher Nick Bishop, who identified a gap in the market for creative football training sessions for kids in the region.

The firm now employs 18 coaches and operates from John Smeaton Leisure Centre and Soldier’s Field at Roundhay Park. To date, it has helped more than 1,000 children in Leeds with its weekly group sessions, one-on-one football coaching, after-school clubs and holiday camps.

Alongside the revenue growth, 2018 has delivered expansion into East Leeds and over 280 new members for the company.

Its plan now is to increase member numbers past the 500 mark by the end of 2019, secure a further three locations in West Yorkshire and hire eight new members of staff.

Co-founder Nick said: “We’re incredibly pleased by how far we’ve come in the last 12 months; it’s such an exciting time for us as we gear up for our next stage of growth.

“It’s amazing to see the children develop and prosper through our football training programme and so rewarding when parents tell us the huge difference that Foot-Tech has had on their child’s ability, confidence and resilience.”

He continued: “We have more plans for next year which will add significant value for our customers and our aim is to help as many children as possible increase their physical and mental health by participating in football in an unpressurised, friendly environment. More will be revealed in early 2019.”

Foot-Tech Academy last year secured a place on NatWest Business Accelerator, the UK’s largest free business growth accelerator programme.