Do you want to start a football coaching company? If YES, here is a detailed guide on how to start a football coaching business with no money and no experience.
Becoming a football coach in the United States can be a wonderful career choice if you’re equipped with a good knowledge of the game, good communication skills, and the ability to lead and motivate young athletes. You will have to obtain at least a bachelor’s degree to coach football at a college or university.
A degree may also be necessary if you want to coach a high school team, as it’s normal for coaches to also work as teachers. Majoring in education, business, exercise physiology, sports management, athletic training or a related field can prepare you to guide and coach young players.
Also, if you’re looking to become a college coach, you may find it necessary to pursue a master’s degree at a university with a strong football team. If you obtain a position as graduate assistant for the football team, you will surely gain from on-the-job training and also attract the attention of the coaches who make hiring decisions for the team.
Your goal in this business is to gain substantial income by getting paid to coach football, but volunteering can help you gain the experience you need to be considered for coaching positions. Teams at all levels need volunteers. Whether you help the local youth football team improve blocking or serve as unpaid intern for a professional team, it will surely help you accumulate skills you can add to your resume.
One crucial fact you need to have in mind when planning to start this business is the importance of networking and connections. Connections are just as important in football as they are in business. That is why it’s advisable you connect to a mentor in the industry.
A good mentor can provide advice that makes you a more attractive coaching candidate, and can and pass along inside information about anticipated job openings.
Your mentor doesn’t necessarily need to be the head coach of a team. Assistant coaches and management staff can provide valuable insights and offer advice that will help you stand out when you’re looking for a coaching job. Remember to stay friendly with the office staff, too.
The head football coach’s administrative assistant may be willing to share information about staffing needs and job openings if you develop a cordial relationship with him. Another thing to consider is the issue of certification. Football coaching certification may make you a more attractive candidate for coaching positions.
Steps to Starting a Football Coaching Business
1. Understand the Industry
The job of coaches are to guide people and help them achieve specific sports performance goals. Sports coaches and trainers work closely with athletes in elementary schools, high schools, colleges and universities, and with professional sports teams.
They teach the basic skills needed in individual or team sports for amateur or professional athletes. These individuals may work full time during the day and coach part time, such as for Little Leagues or soccer teams.
These individuals also create and manage practice sessions and drills, evaluate players and help them to improve their skills, techniques, form, and stamina. Their job includes motivating and encouraging individuals and teams to improve their performance.
Their job also entails handling administrative tasks such as taking notes and keeping records on players and their performance. According to industry reports, the general sports coaching industry is a $8 billion business. Note that from 2012 to 2017, this industry which is made up of more than 130,000 businesses, experienced 3 percent annual growth.
Industry experts expect the sports coaching field to continue performing well in the years to come because of the growing participation in sports for health benefits as well as to offset the high cost of college tuition through sports scholarships.
Sports camps and academies are growing as parents seek sports coaches and programs to help their children stay active and improve their likelihood of receiving sports scholarships.
2. Conduct Market Research and Feasibility Studies
- Demographics and Psychographics
Becoming a football coach means being passionate, and dedicated to your team, helping them to reach their full potential and developing the players in all aspects. Be it young children, entry level or professional football players, you will need to put your all into making sure the team succeeds. You will be the driving force behind the players.
Note that in this business, you could be working in different locations such as schools, universities, leisure clubs or football clubs, and could find yourself working with a range of levels from children to adults, beginner to professionals. It solely depends on your level of experience, qualification and how far you will get with your coaching career.
Also note that your working hours will to a great extent rest on the level of football that you are coaching. Lower levels of football will need evening and weekend work, however the higher the level of the football team, the more hours you will need to put in. Your main duties and responsibilities as a Football Coach will include;
- Planning coaching programs
- Evaluating performance and providing feedback
- Coming up with techniques and tactics
- Helping the team to improve both physically and mentally
- Working alongside other professionals such as physiotherapists and nutritionists
- Maintaining records
- Applying for sponsorships
- Arranging transport for your team
3. Decide Which Niche to Concentrate On
Aside acquiring and honing your general coaching skills, you can choose to focus your energy by specializing on a specific niche. The niche ideas you can pick from may include;
- Attacking Coach
- Defensive coach
- Passing coach
- Safety Coach
- Review and analyze game films
- Scout
The Level of Competition in the Industry
Due to the significant growth in the adoption of sports software, video analytics platforms have become a crucial tool for analysing player performance as well as streamlining team functioning for managers and directors of various sports clubs, leagues, and associations.
Growing demand for video analytics software has increased the number of vendors offering video analytical platforms. These increasing adoption of video analytics platforms is more prominent in developed economies such as the US, the uk, and China and are often undermined in third world economies.
However, increasing popularity and dipping prices of these video analytics platforms have allowed their adoption in various developing economies such as india and Brazil. Report has it that the global sports coaching platform market has a highly fragmented market structure due to the presence of a strong mix of regional, local, and well-established international vendors in the market.
Therefore, there is intense competition among vendors, with most vendors competing on platform features, market presence, and penetration pricing strategies. The market appears to be highly fragmented with the presence of several companies.
4. Know Your Major Competitors in the Industry
- Jim Harbaugh
- Mike Ditka
- Joe Paterno
- Andy Reid
- Marv Levy
- Bobby Bowden
- Tony Dungy
- Jon Gruden
- Woody Hayes
- Don Shula
- Steve McMichael
- Bill Belichick
Economic Analysis
According to industry data, the median annual wage for coaches and scouts was $33,780 in May 2018. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $18,970, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $77,880.
Note that coaches often work irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Professional or college coaches usually work more than 40 hours a week for several months during the sport’s season, if not most of the year. Many high school coaches work part time and may have other jobs aside from coaching. Meanwhile, the employment of coaches is expected to grow 13 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations.
Rising participation in high school and college sports should increase demand for coaches and scouts. Also, high school enrollment is expected to grow over the next decade, resulting in a rise in the number of student athletes. As schools offer more athletic programs and as more students participate in sports, the demand for coaches may increase.
Experts also expect participation in college sports to increase over the next decade, particularly at smaller colleges and in women’s sports. Many small Division III colleges are expanding their sports programs and adding new teams as a way to help promote the school and recruit potential students.
Have it in mind that strong and fierce competition is expected for higher paying jobs at the college level, and competition will be even greater for jobs in professional sports. Job prospects at the high school level should be good, but coaching jobs typically go to those teaching in schools.
Candidates who have a degree or are state certified to teach academic subjects, therefore, should have the best prospects for getting coaching jobs at high schools. Coaches in girls’ and women’s sports may have better job opportunities because of a growing number of participants and leagues. Competition is also likely to be strong for jobs as scouts, particularly for professional teams.
5. Decide Whether to Buy a Franchise or Start from Scratch
Starting your own business can be both scary and exciting. However, the prospect of going full- or part-time in the football industry is well worth the journey! Running a business does require some skill, like a willingness to learn, the drive to succeed and a passion for what you are doing. Note that a lot of coaches work ad-hoc hours, part-time or as subcontractors for a number of years.
During this time they will be gathering experience and building a network in the football community, before setting up their own businesses. Others decide to create income by starting their own coaching business at an earlier stage. This allows them to choose when and where to coach in their future years.
Starting from the scratch might seem unique to one entrepreneur, but it might not go well with another because both entrepreneurs have different objectives and goals regarding their business. Being responsible and starting your own business can seem like a daunting venture. However, if you are driven, you will give yourself the best chances at being successful by leveraging the franchise route.
Buying a franchise in this business provides you with numerous benefits starting from the scratch can’t afford you. So, when considering the advantages and disadvantages of investing in a franchise, it’s important to recognize the various business contexts which franchising can relate to.
6. Know the Possible Threats and Challenges You Will Face
Without doubt, every business has its own challenges and threats, and the football coaching business is no different. Indeed some of the challenges can be taken care of, but some cannot be, so an entrepreneur has to always be prepared.
Some of the threats and challenges that you might likely face when starting your football coaching business are; having to make your target market know about your skills and readiness, facing and taking care of competition from new and already existing competitors and also dealing with the downturn of the economy because it will affect the incentives of being a football coach, like funds.
7. Choose the Most Suitable Legal Entity (LLC, C Corp, S Corp)
Note there are many legal requirements that you will need to satisfy when starting your football coaching business legally. These requirements may not be much but you still need to fulfill them. It is advised that you check with your local city and county government to get the necessary licensing before you open your doors for business.
There are six legal entities available to entrepreneurs in the united states of America and they include; Sole Proprietorship, Limited Liability Company (LLC), Cooperative, C Corporation, Partnership and the S Corporation. Meanwhile, for the purpose of starting a football coaching business, the options are organised into two – sole proprietorship and LLC. But no matter the size and concept you have for your business, note that the LLC is the best option for you.
When a business is structured as an LLC, it becomes its own legal entity. Forming an LLC is the simplest way of structuring your business to provide personal liability protection. This means that your personal assets are protected if your business is sued. The LLC is responsible for its own debts and lawsuits, not the owners. It’s advantages may include;
- Personal assets protection
- Flexibility
- Simplicity
- Pass through taxation
- Increase credibility
- Access to Business loans
8. Choose a Catchy Business Name
- Superstar Inc.
- Born Bright
- Touch of Gold
- Lonart Football
- Club Sight
- Free Zone
- Excellently
- Start Trek
- Best Coaches
- Sun and moon
- Football Peak
- Core Male
- Train and Evolve
- A1 football
- Efficient Coaching
- Better personality
- Basic football
- Wildly Better
- True self
9. Discuss with an Agent to Know the Best Insurance Policies for You
Football coaching business is indeed a rewarding job for sure, but like any business, it comes with certain risks. That is why having adequate insurance can help your business stay afloat when facing crisis. For instance, you will need professional indemnity insurance in case you’re sued for making a mistake in your work, and public liability insurance if someone claims compensation for injury or damage.
Plus you can insure your business premises and equipment in case of damage by something like fire or flood. Having a good coaching insurance policy also shows clients and potential clients that you’re a professional and you take your responsibilities seriously.
- Public liability insurance
- Professional indemnity insurance
- Employers’ liability insurance
- Business equipment insurance
- Business building insurance
- Business interruption insurance
- Legal expenses insurance
- Personal accident insurance
- Consultant insurance
- Limited company insurance
- Self-employed insurance
10. Protect your Intellectual Property With Trademark, Copyrights, Patents
For instance, imagine spending time and energy to develop materials needed for coaching just to let it be stolen and used by every Dick and Tom. That is why it is absolutely necessary that you protect your materials from being copied and either used by other coaches or your clients.
But note that because of how difficult and rigorous applying for an intellectual property protection might be, it is necessary to seek the services of an attorney to help you file for an IPP with the USPTO.
Note that intellectual property protection also protects your company’s logo, slogan or any other materials you might consider valuable to you. Any attorney with experience in this field should be able to put you through on requirements to fulfill when getting an IPP.
11. Get the Necessary Professional Certification
Football coaches are expected to have recognized coaching qualifications from The Football Association (FA). This starts from level 1 and goes all the way up to semi professional and professional levels. You could also take a sports degree such as sports science. Note that in this business you will also be required to have a DBS check (when working with children) as well as completing The FA Safeguarding Children Workshop.
First aid training is important and you may be required to take the Introduction to First Aid in Football (IFAiF) course. It’s also advisable that you contact the local interscholastic federation in your state to see what certifications or licenses are required before you can start coaching in schools.
Certifications vary from state-to-state. Classes include concussion in sports, first aid and safety, as well as general coaching education courses. For instance, the California Interscholastic Federation requires coaches in the district to obtain a general coaching certification, a sports specific concussion certification, a cardiac arrest certification, first aid certification, and CPR training. Have it in mind that each course will cost anywhere from $30 – $70 depending on which state you live in.
12. Get the Necessary Legal Documents You Need to Operate
Note that you will need few state permits and licenses to operate your football coaching business anywhere in the United States. That is why you need to understand more about licensing requirements in your state by visiting SBA’s reference to state licenses and permits. In addition, certain local licensing or regulatory requirements may apply. Licenses you might be needing may include;
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Services Contract
In the football coaching business where services are provided on an extended basis, a service contract is often put in place outlining the terms and conditions of service. This is because the agreement will clarify client expectations and minimize risk of legal disputes by setting out payment terms and conditions, and service level expectations.
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Coaching Disclaimer & Waiver
Also you will need to make it clear to your clients that you are not a trained medical professional. This can be accomplished by having clients sign a release of liability form.
Meanwhile, you’re also required to get criminal background clearance in order to be a teacher and coach in many states. These background checks will often include a state and federal criminal background checks and child abuse background checks. In some states, it’s required you undergo a drug and alcohol screening and employment and credential verification.
13. Raise the Needed Startup Capital
Finance is very crucial to the success of every business. The ongoing expenses for a football coaching business, like the start-up expenses, are low. Ongoing costs include expenses for insurance, marketing, transportation, internet access and a phone.
Coaches that hire employees and open offices also have labour, rent and utility expenses, but coaches don’t have to take their business in this direction. Ways to finance your football coaching business may include…
- Debt Financing
- Personal savings
- Raising money from investors and business partners
- Applying for Loan from your Bank
- Pitching your business idea and applying for business grants and seed funding from donor organizations and angel investors
14. Choose a Suitable Location for your Business
Note that how you set up things in this business will depend on whether you prefer face to face, phone or online meetings such as Skype, or a mixture of all. Whether you are going to work from home or hire a room for your office work and consultations. But in all you will still need the same basic furniture and equipment. Things to consider when choosing a suitable location;
- If it’s the right location
- Does it require modification?
- Tax and infrastructure
- Style of operation
- demography of the location
- Nearness to other businesses and services
- Accessibility of the location and parking space for your clients
- The local laws and regulations in the community / state
- Traffic and security
- Allowing for future growth
- Separate your needs from your wants business
- Technical and manpower requirements
15. Hire Employees for your Technical and Manpower Needs
If you don’t have any previous experience coaching or playing football, then it’s necessary that you learn all the rules before you consider coaching a team. It’s necessary that you understand how to score points and how to defend. You should also be able to explain illegal plays to your players so that they don’t pick up on bad habits during practice.
In the NFL, you can challenge a play which will reverse a referee’s decision on a penalty if you are correct. Each coach gets two challenges per game and one more challenge if the first two are correct. Knowing and understanding what the rules are is essential to challenge a play.
Also, a good coach must have good communication. You should be communicate and pass on your goals to both your staff and your team. You will have to set clear expectations and be consistent with your rules. Note that coaching on a professional level requires that you can choose talented staff and delegate responsibilities to create the most effective team. This means taking your staff or player complaints seriously.
It’s also advisable that you become friends with your staff so you can speak candidly and open with them. Also business in this industry can be run by one person, and some coaches never hire employees. While a lot find that hiring a personal assistant streamlines their workflow, as an assistant can help prepare documents and schedule trainings.
Some business owners in the industry hire other employees to coach clients in specific areas. Indeed having several employees, each specializing in a different area of coaching, helps a business appeal to a broader market and lets it provide more comprehensive coaching. The skill set you will need to succeed in this will include;
- Communication skills
- Leadership
- Teaching
- Positivity
- Patience
- Ability to motivate
- Organisational skills
- Teaching
- Trustworthy
- Ability to build relationships
- Determination
- Physical fitness
- Enthusiasm
The Service Delivery Process of the Business
One thing successful coaches have in common is an almost insatiable appetite for knowledge about every facet of the game. The coach’s knowledge is developed through playing the game, observing matches and successful mentoring by more experienced coaches.
Although this knowledge is very helpful in developing an extensive library of information relating to successful tactics and strategies, it is nevertheless subjective and potentially confounded by personal biases and expectations. Have it in mind that quantitative match analysis is therefore invaluable to you as a coach in that it can help create an objective, unbiased view of events and provide a solid platform upon which to make informed decisions.
Since the match analysis process tends to concentrate on providing information about tactical (e.g. effectiveness of playing style) and technical (e.g. passing success rates) performance, experts suggest that the process is particularly relevant in understanding performance as well as identifying areas of improvement.
It’s important that coaches take their time to carefully plan and organize weekly training programmes based on the results gleaned from observational match analysis and with the single goal of providing optimal preparation for competition.
Note that the process of successfully devising training sessions which can be transferred into competitive performance is one of the key roles of the coach. Therefore, it would be indeed profitable for any coach to devise their coaching sessions and weekly training programmes on the basis of actual match performance information provided from manual or computerized match analysis.
Meanwhile, the coaching process is made up of a cycle of phases relating to aspects of observation, analysis and planning. Clearly, the coaching process is used to instigate observable changes in behaviour as the coaching and teaching of skills is heavily dependent upon match analysis, which in turn has a positive effect on the overall improvement of athletic performance.
16. Write a Marketing Plan Packed with ideas & Strategies
You can successfully add radio and newspaper advertisements into a football coaching business’ marketing plan, but few efforts are more effective than word-of-mouth marketing. Note that in this kind of business, you can ask your mentor and friends for referrals to other potential clubs or teams, possibly offering a free session as an incentive to entice them.
Note that you can attend networking events, where people can get to know you. Even if no one at a networking event needs football coaching, they might recommend someone who could use the service. Ways to effectively market your football coaching business is outlined below;
- Business cards and more
- Business networking
- Creating and attractive website
- Writing a unique book
- Find your specialty or niche and become an expert.
- Free introductory coaching sessions
- Talk your way to recognition as a football coach authority
17. Develop Iron-clad Competitive Strategies to Help You Win
In this business, your clients will be entrusting their success and possibly their physical well-being to you. That is why you owe it to them to stay on top of current trends in your industry. Competition in this industry is intense and you need to make use of all available strategies within the confinement of the law to stay afloat and stay ahead of your competitors. Few strategies may include;
- Conduct Free Value-Driven Webinars
- Create branded pdf reports
- Get advance knowledge
- Be successful
18. Brainstorm Possible Ways to Retain Clients & Customers
Although consumer retention is not a factor in this business, it’s pertinent you consider all options, especially ones that keeps your employers and players happy. You have to ensure that they trust and believe in your ability to ensure they achieve their goals collectively. Ways to increase customer retention in your Football Coaching business include…
- Set and meet customer expectations
- Nail the first impression
- Always be adding value
- Improve competitive advantage
- Let the team know what you are doing for them
- Focus on becoming a dependency
- Listen to them
- Keep your eyes open for external environment changes
- Know your weakness
19. Develop Strategies to Boost Brand Awareness and Create a Corporate Identity
The only fundamental way to boost your brand in this industry is by being successful. It’s advisable you always seek educational and experimental improvement. Remember to mould your time in your image and let them breath through you. Other ways to boost your Brand may include;
- Create a social media presence and use your social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Google Plus to boost your business
- Always place adverts in newspapers and magazines as well as on radio and television stations
- You should consider speaking in seminars, conferences and workshops
- Create an attractive website and put up articles and resources to ginger up your target audience.