## We Make Footballers Cardiff: Inspiring the Next Generation## We Make Footballers Cardiff: Inspiring the Next Generation A former maths and physics teacher, Leon Stapleton, has combined his love of teaching with his lifelong passion for football to establish the first Welsh franchise of We Make Footballers in Cardiff. With funding from the British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans program, Leon aims to provide a unique football training experience for children aged four to twelve. ### Inspiration and Opportunity Disillusioned with classroom life, Leon decided to pursue his passion for football while researching new career options. After hearing about We Make Footballers, he recognized an opportunity to bring this innovative program to Wales. ### Start Up Loans Support A £15,000 Start Up Loan from the British Business Bank enabled Leon to launch the franchise. The funding covered essential expenses such as training equipment, insurance, coach salaries, and marketing materials. ### Focus on Youth Development We Make Footballers Cardiff offers a structured training program that emphasizes skill development, teamwork, and sportsmanship. With a team of experienced coaches, Leon caters to children of all abilities, creating an inclusive and supportive environment. ### Community Impact Leon’s goal is to use We Make Footballers as a platform to foster social and physical well-being in the Cardiff community. The program encourages children to stay active, develop their skills, and connect with others who share their passion for football. ### Entrepreneurial Success Leon’s entrepreneurial journey is a testament to the power of following your dreams. By combining his teaching experience with his love for football, he has created a business that makes a positive impact on the lives of young people in Cardiff. ### British Business Bank Support The British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans program provides crucial financial and non-financial support to entrepreneurs like Leon. The program offers access to funding, mentoring, and resources to help businesses succeed.
A former maths and physics teacher is combining his love of teaching with his lifelong passion for football, thanks to funding from the British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme.
Leon Stapleton, 43, has launched the first Welsh franchise of We Make Footballers, a football training academy for children aged four to 12, in Cardiff.
Leon taught math and science for over 10 years, but before the pandemic, he became disillusioned with classroom life, despite the fact that he really enjoyed working with children. So he decided to quit his teaching job and join a courier service while he researched new career options.
As well as being a lifelong supporter of Cardiff City FC, Leon has always had a love of football himself. He has been part of several teams in Cardiff over the years and recently joined Thornhill Veterans. When he heard about the UK franchise We Make Footballers, Leon saw an opportunity to set up a branch in Wales and jumped at the chance.
Leon said:
“I really enjoy working with children and my 10 years of experience as a high school teacher has given me many skills to work with students from all backgrounds and to deal with challenging situations. But ultimately it has taught me how to approach people in a more empathetic way and how to get the best out of people.
“These are skills that I didn’t want to give up when I stopped teaching full-time, so it was the perfect opportunity to apply these skills alongside my great passion, football.
“There is nothing quite like We Make Footballers in Cardiff and I am very proud that we can offer something that benefits the local community.”
By applying for a £15,000 Start Up Loan from the British Business Bank last year, Leon was able to launch the first We Make Footballers franchise in Wales. The funding allowed Leon to spend £4,500 on training equipment, insurance for the venue, hire coaches and produce marketing materials.
Speaking about the process of applying for his loan, Leon said: “Start Up Loans was recommended to me by We Make Footballers as the suggested funding route for individuals looking to start a new franchise. The process of applying for the loan could not have been easier. As a layperson, applying for funding can be a daunting and stressful task, but my experience was the opposite. I had direct contact with my finance manager throughout the process and felt supported and well communicated with.”
The British Business Bank Start Up Loans programme offers government-backed loans of up to £25,000 per individual, up to a maximum of £100,000 per business. In addition to funding, successful applicants receive free mentoring, access to resources and advice.
Head coach Leon has a team of four coaches alongside him, allowing for five sessions per week for different age groups. Leon also has plans to set up a girls class with his new senior female coach.
Leon continues:
“There is an overwhelming passion that everyone involved in We Make Footballers exudes, both the players and the coaches. Ultimately, there is a real joy that comes from playing football with other people. The fact that I get to experience all of this as an entrepreneur is a dream come true.”
Jessica Phillips-Harris, Senior Manager for Wales at the British Business Bank, said:
“We are thrilled to help entrepreneurs like Leon realize their dreams and pursue a career they love, one that comes from true passion.
“The British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme is designed for entrepreneurs who want to improve the world they live in and We Make Footballers Cardiff is a fantastic example of this – teaching children skills and helping them become part of a fulfilling and active community.”
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