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Success story requestRegion/Nation | Cardiff, Wales |
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Business Name | We Make Footballers |
Owner | Leon Stapleton |
Partner | BizBritain |
Social Media |
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Website | wemakefootballers.com/cardiff |
Applying for a £15,000 Start Up Loan from the Start Up Loans programme last year meant that Leon was able to launch the first We Make Footballers franchise in Wales.
A former maths and science teacher, Leon spent over 10 years teaching in a secondary school, but pre-pandemic he became disillusioned with life in the classroom, despite really enjoying working with children, and decided to leave teaching for a job with a courier service, while he researched new career options.
Alongside being a lifelong supporter of Cardiff City FC, Leon has always enjoyed playing football himself, being part of various teams across Cardiff over the years, recently joining Thornhill Veterans. Learning about the UK-wide franchise, We Make Footballers, Leon saw an opportunity to establish a branch in Wales and grabbed it with both hands.
Impact of the Start Up Loan
£15K
loan enabled Leon to purchase the bulk of his training equipment, venue insurance, hire coaches and produce marketing materials.
BizBritain
BizBritain is an official Start Up Loans Business Support Partner and has a team of experienced business advisers who work closely with applicants to help prepare their business plan and cash flow forecast.
There’s nothing else quite like We Make Footballers in Cardiff, and I’m really proud to be offering something which will be benefitting the local community. There’s a resounding passion that exudes from everyone who’s involved with We Make Footballers, from both the players and the coaches. Ultimately, there’s a real joy that comes from playing football with other people. The fact that I get to experience all of this as a business owner is a dream come true. Leon Stapleton Founder of We Make Footballers Cardiff
We Make Footballers in the news
Business Live - October 2024
Founder Leon Stapleton is featured in Business Live and reflects on starting his franchise business in Wales.
Read the article aboutInsider Media - October 2024
Owner of We Make Footballers, Leon Stapleton on learnings from the first year as a small business owner.
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