Understanding the business of soccer training

Earlier this year, I published a research paper with my colleague Craig Parks on the Top Tips for Starting a Sports Coaching Business.

You can view the full research paper here

The research paper focused on the the learnings from launching and successfully growing a successful soccer training business www.ianmcclurg.com for the last 25 years.

I am now helping to assist other sports entrepreneurs in your journey and you can book a FREE consultation call here https://calendly.com/ianmcclurg/soccerbusinessmentor

Introduction

I have focused my coaching journey on individual player development and specifically helping young players successfully pursue training and formal trials opportunities at professional clubs in Europe.

As a coach, you will have completed coaching badges to improve your ability to deliver training sessions and manage the overall development of your athletes. While your success as a coach will be determined by your ability to do that, your coaching business will only thrive if you also develop a good understanding of the business side of soccer training.

The objective of this article is to provide you with an overview of the key aspects of the soccer training industry, including the market size, trends, and potential revenue streams.

Market Size and Trends ??

The global soccer training market size was valued at USD 4.2 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.8% from 2021 to 2028, according to a report by Grand View Research, Inc. The growth of the market can be attributed to the increasing popularity of soccer, the rise in the number of soccer academies and training centre's and the demand for professional soccer players.

In terms of trends, there is a growing demand for personalized soccer training programs that cater to the individual needs of players. Soccer training apps and online platforms are also becoming increasingly popular, providing players with greater access to training programs and resources from anywhere in the world.

Revenue Streams ??

There are several potential revenue streams in the soccer training industry, including:

1. Training fees: This is the most common revenue stream for soccer trainers. You can charge players or their parents for individual or group training sessions.

2. Sponsorships and endorsements: As you establish yourself as a reputable soccer trainer, you may have the opportunity to secure sponsorships and endorsements from soccer brands, equipment manufacturers, or sports apparel companies.

3. Online courses and training programs: You can create and sell online courses or training programs that provide players with online access to your expertise and resources.

4. Consulting services: You can offer consulting services to soccer clubs, academies, or training centre's providing them with guidance and advice on soccer training programs and strategies.

5. Affiliate marketing: You can earn commissions by promoting soccer products or services to your audience and earning a commission on any sales made through your referral.

Marketing and Promotion ??

Effective marketing and promotion are essential for growing your soccer training business. Here are some strategies you can use to promote your business:

1. Social media: Use social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook to showcase your expertise, share training tips and resources, and connect with potential clients. The platform that you prioritize will be dependent upon your audience.

2. Website: Create a professional website that showcases your services, credentials, and testimonials from satisfied clients.

3. Email marketing: Build an email list of potential clients and send them regular newsletters with training tips, resources, and special offers.

4. Networking: Attend soccer events and tournaments, and connect with other coaches, players, and soccer industry professionals.

5. Partnerships: Partner with other soccer trainers, coaches, or organizations to cross-promote each other's services and reach a wider audience.

Conclusion

When I look back on my own journey I believe that my longevity within a volatile and competitive market is due to my willingness to continually upgrade both my coaching and business knowledge.

I always tell people that I am a soccer coach, who had to learn and embrace business - rather than a business person who is a coach. The reason that I started the business was to help and improve young players so I naturally view the world as a coach. In time, I have had to adapt my thinking and make strategic and operational decisions by considering both coaching and business components.

Understanding the business side of things is essential for anyone looking to launch and grow a successful soccer training business. If you do not wish to embrace this side of things then it is imperative that you bring in someone who can assist you. One of my main strengths, I believe, is my ability to roll up my sleeves and figure things out independently. However, I can admit now that my self-starter practice of doing everything by myself (coaching and business) does have limitations if you really want to grow.

More recently, I have started to bring more people on board and delegate to individuals who are more knowledgeable and proficient in areas such as marketing strategy and social media and as a result the business has thrived and grown. Building a trustworthy and hard-working team around you will be a critical success factor in your business. You may not have the revenue to support this initially but it should be firmly in your strategic plans for growth.