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How They Funded It: Ep 3 – We Make Footballers

Episode 3: How We Make Footballers Wales Launched Their First Franchise

What does it take to turn a passion for football into a thriving academy inspiring the next generation of players? In the third episode of How They Funded It, host Lesley Williams speaks with Leon, Academy Owner and Head Coach of We Make Footballers Wales, who shares how he used a £15,000 Start Up Loan to launch the first franchise in Wales.

Leon talks through how the funding helped him buy the franchise, purchase equipment, and secure insurance, making it possible to bring high-quality, fun, and safe football coaching to children across Cardiff. Tune in to hear how the academy nurtures young talent while promoting lifelong love of the game.

Learn more about We Make Footballers and watch the podcast below 👇 Or listen on Spotify.

Lesley Williams, Welsh ICE CEO interviews Leon Stapleton, Academy Owner and Head Coach at We Make Footballers Wales

Meet We Make Footballers Wales

  • Inspiring the next generation: With weekly sessions for 4-12 year olds, including girls-only sessions, birthday parties, holiday camps, and school training, the academy gives children a fun and safe space to develop football skills and confidence.
  • Funding for launch: A £15,000 Start Up Loan made it possible to open the first Welsh franchise, covering the franchise fee, equipment, and insurance to get the academy up and running.
  • Building long-term careers: With over 250 players signed at professional clubs, including top-level talents like Michael Olise and Alfie Gilchrist, We Make Footballers aims to help children reach their full potential both on and off the pitch.

About British Business Bank

British Business Bank is the UK’s economic development bank. Our mission is to drive sustainable growth and prosperity across the UK and to enable the transition to a net-zero economy by improving access to finance for smaller businesses.

We work with more than 200 delivery partners to deliver funding programmes that address existing gaps in the market.

Smaller businesses don’t generally obtain finance directly from us: instead, we usually provide funds and guarantees to private sector partners such as Venture Capitalists, angel groups, CDFIs, banks, asset finance providers and alternative lenders, enabling them to finance a greater number of smaller businesses (either through debt or equity).

We look to help increase the diversity of supply of finance for smaller businesses, so businesses can access the finance they need at whatever stage they are and wherever they are based.

Our programmes are designed for businesses at three stages of growth: Start Up, Scale Up (those with high growth potential), and Stay Ahead (viable companies seeking to stay ahead in their market).

About the Start Up Loans Scheme

The Start Up Loans Scheme helps new businesses across the UK by providing affordable loans, mentoring, and support to turn great ideas into thriving enterprises. It aims to encourage entrepreneurship, innovation, and local business growth.

The scheme is run by The Start-Up Loans Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of British Business Bank plc, a development bank owned by HM Government.

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